Nigeria Urges Shift from Shakespeare to African Authors – Author Onadele

The Power of Literature in Empowering the Nigerian Youth

Nigerian-American author Cash Onadele, known as Aiye-ko-ooto, has dedicated his life to using literature as a tool for empowerment and cultural preservation. His work spans poetry, plays, and short stories, all driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a desire to connect with the Nigerian youth.

A Drive for Creativity and Cultural Preservation

Onadele’s productivity stems from a wellspring of inspiration, particularly from Yoruba stories that have been passed down through generations. As the President and CEO of Aiye-ko-ooto, he runs the Cultural and Literary Hub, which focuses on youth empowerment and the preservation of African narratives.

He is not only inspired by Yoruba culture but also by Igbo traditions. His goal is to tell the stories of his ancestors, ensuring that future generations can learn from them. He believes that writing is not just an act of creation but also a means of learning and improving creative skills.

Bridging Gaps Through Workshops and Education

The workshops Onadele conducts are a reflection of his passion for connecting with Nigerian youth. Although he lacks the financial resources to fund large-scale initiatives, he hopes that others will follow his lead. He envisions a future where government bodies, corporate organizations, and trusts recognize the potential of Nigeria's youth and invest in their creative development.

Onadele emphasizes that the foundation of a trillion-dollar creative economy lies in creative writing. He argues that without a strong base of skilled writers, the Nollywood industry—often seen as a jumpstart for the creative economy—will not reach its full potential. His vision includes establishing an institute where each local government contributes a representative to share authentic stories from their communities.

Building a Platform for Authentic Stories

Onadele believes that Nigeria's diversity offers a wealth of untold stories. If each of the country’s 356 languages could contribute one unique story, it could form the basis of a thriving creative economy. He envisions a platform where these stories can be produced as plays and movies, creating new employment opportunities.

He suggests that stories could be auctioned, allowing writers to earn a percentage of the profits if their work is adapted into films. This model, already used in other countries, could transform how stories are valued and shared in Nigeria.

Addressing Moral and Intellectual Gaps in Youth Development

Onadele highlights the importance of practical education in developing young writers. He criticizes the current academic system, which often relies on copying and pasting instead of fostering creativity. His workshops provide hands-on training, with 21 courses designed to teach specific techniques for improving dialogue and storytelling.

He believes that the more one writes, the better they become. He encourages young writers to practice consistently, emphasizing that improvement comes from experience rather than theory alone.

Responsibility of Preserving Cultural Identity

As a Nigerian-American, Onadele feels a responsibility to preserve and promote Nigerian culture. Initially, he wrote stories set in America or Europe, but he realized this did not serve his cultural roots. He now sets his stories in Nigeria, particularly in Yoruba land, to ensure that his work reflects his heritage.

He also aims to support local businesses by ensuring that books are published and sold within Nigeria. This approach not only promotes cultural identity but also supports the local economy.

Evolving Processes for Creative Integrity

Onadele has developed a structured process for his writing, drawing from his background in architecture. He frames his approach to title creation, theme development, and plot construction, which he teaches to young writers. His methods are influenced by his grandfather, who told stories under the moonlight, inspiring him to carry forward the tradition of oral storytelling.

The Meaning Behind the Name Aiye-ko-ooto

The name Aiye-ko-ooto, which means "the world refuses the truth," reflects Onadele’s commitment to addressing themes of betrayal, deceit, and moral lessons in his stories. He believes that every story should reveal some aspect of truth or offer a lesson to its audience.

Inspiration from Wole Soyinka

Onadele’s play, “The Noble Warrior,” was inspired by his admiration for Professor Wole Soyinka, whom he considers a playwright rather than just a poet or novelist. He felt that Soyinka’s contributions to theater were not widely recognized, prompting him to write a play in his honor. This project took three and a half years to complete and has since been performed over a dozen times.

Challenges of Bridging Two Cultures

As a Nigerian-American, Onadele faced challenges in balancing his dual cultural identities. Initially, he wrote stories set in foreign environments, which made it difficult to authentically represent Nigerian culture. He overcame this by embracing his Nigerian identity and focusing on stories that reflect his homeland.

He criticizes the continued emphasis on colonial literature in schools, arguing that it perpetuates a colonial mentality among Nigerian youth. He advocates for the inclusion of local authors in the curriculum to foster a sense of cultural pride.

Impact of Donations and Literature Prizes

Onadele has donated books and endowed literature prizes in schools, aiming to inspire the next generation of readers and writers. However, he acknowledges that these efforts are limited by his retirement status and financial constraints. He hopes that more support will come from educational institutions and government bodies to promote local literature.

Sustaining Creative Energy

Despite his prolific output, Onadele remains committed to his craft. He manages multiple projects simultaneously, shifting focus when needed. He credits his sustained energy to his retirement, which allows him to focus on creative endeavors without the pressure of financial survival.

In conclusion, Onadele’s work exemplifies the transformative power of literature in empowering the youth and preserving cultural identity. His dedication to storytelling and education continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerian writers and thinkers.