Unchained details your challenges growing up as an LGBTQ youth in a strict Nigerian community as a member of a Catholic family. Why was it important for you to share your story?

While Unchained isn’t a direct account of my personal experiences, it mirrors the struggles of LGBTQ individuals growing up in African societies, particularly where cultural and religious norms are deeply entrenched. When I moved to the UK, I witnessed a society where LGBTQ rights were respected and gay people were accepted as part of the social fabric. This stark contrast inspired me to use my writing as a medium to challenge the narrative back in Africa. I wanted to show that acceptance is possible and that being LGBTQ isn’t something to “pray away” or solve through religion. It was crucial for me to write this story as a call for change, urging African societies to move towards compassion and inclusion.

What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

One of the most challenging parts of writing Unchained was portraying gay relationships in the UK as equally valid and natural as heterosexual relationships. I wanted to vividly depict how love, commitment, and marriage transcend orientation, and I worked hard to normalize same-sex relationships for readers unfamiliar with such dynamics. Striking the balance between authenticity and sensitivity was tough because I aimed to connect these relationships to a universal understanding of love without alienating readers from more conservative backgrounds.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?

I wish someone had told me that nothing is impossible and that I am my own limitation. Growing up in a restrictive environment, it was easy to internalize societal expectations and believe there were limits to what I could achieve. If I had understood earlier that with effort and self-belief, I could break barriers, I might have pursued certain dreams sooner. This advice would have empowered me to embrace my uniqueness and navigate life with more confidence.

What do you hope readers take away from your experiences?

I hope readers understand that societal norms are not fixed—they evolve, and they must make room for inclusion and acceptance. Africa is on the brink of a cultural shift, and the old ways of thinking must give way to new ideas that value the dignity and rights of every individual. I want readers, especially those from African backgrounds, to see that LGBTQ people are not asking for special treatment—they’re asking to live authentically and with the same respect afforded to everyone else. Above all, I hope my story inspires conversations, challenges prejudices, and sparks the cultural change we need to see.

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