‘Sam Omatseye Live’: A memorable literary day at Lagos State University, Ojo
By Rianot Ajoke Haruna
‘AMIDST the scent of old pages and new dreams, a story came to life’ could best summarise what took place on June 11, 2025, as the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos was transformed into a literary haven. Scholars, students, publisher and literary enthusiasts had gathered for Mr. Sam Omatseye, as he treated his audience to a literary feast from his latest novel, Juju Eyes with reading and conversation. The celebrated journalist, writer and Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation newspaper was at his best element as he offered deep insight into his latest work.
The event was more than just a reading. It offered an unforgettable experience, particularly to the students who gleaned valuable lessons from it. A rich blend of culture and creative expression, it was designed to celebrate the power of storytelling in its raw and heartfelt form. A literary homecoming of sorts to the author, the day unfolded in four seamless parts: the opening remarks, acknowledgement of dignitaries, book reading and Q&A session, with closing remarks.
While receiving the guests, Dean of faculty, Prof. Jide Jimoh set the tone with a heartfelt appreciation to everyone present and recognised notable scholars, professors, and thought leaders in the room, and established the event’s academic significance right from start. Event host and faculty member, Prof. Tunde Akani, was also on hand to set the event rolling. Then came the heartbeat of the afternoon, the reading itself. Omatseye took the audience through three engaging excerpts of Juju Eyes. He read from the Prologue that set the mysterious and emotional tone of the novel. Then he introduced the main character Shay, an international woman with famous encounters with her boyfriend Osas and Chief Lambe, and finally Shay’s confession of her waywardness to Osas, a pivotal moment drenched in tension and vulnerability.
With every passage read, the room grew more immersed in the improbable world of Shay that is also Nigeria’s murky world. Omatseye’s voice, calm yet captivating, carried each listener deeper into the layered narrative, sparking both admiration and curiosity. Then came moments of questions, critiques and clarifications. The Question-and-Answer session proved to be one of the most engaging part of the event, as minds from diverse backgrounds interacted with the text and the author.
Dr. Ganiat Tijani-Adenle (left); Prof. Tunde Akanni; Prof. Rachel Bello; the author, Mr. Sam Omatseye and Dean of faculty, Prof. Jide Jimoh at ‘Sam Omatseye Live’ at LASU reading event
A PhD student opened the floor with a direct question: “Why the title, Juju Eyes, because the storyline doesn’t seem spiritual or mysterious?” Mr. Omatseye’s reply was both concise and revealing: “It comes from a scene where Shay is called Juju Eyes by her lover and white man, meaning a woman he reveres and worships.” A lecturer in Journalism and a feminist, Dr. Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, asked: “Why does the book seem to place the blame solely on the woman? Doesn’t the sexual act take two (to tangle)?” But rather than defend his narrative vision, Omatseye offered clarification instead, saying: “The book is not sentimental. It exposes both characters, as it looks from the perspective of the different characters.” A student from Babcock University wanted to know the inspiration for the book, with Mr. Omatseye responding candidly: “There’s no single source. Each chapter has a different story that inspires it, but I began writing during the pandemic.”
A student from the Department of English posed a critical question about the prologue: “Why didn’t Shay die like the others after encountering the goddess?” Sam’s answer was layered: “Shay survived, yes; but her life was marked by denial and full of turbulence. She was rich but didn’t truly enjoy it.” Audience members chimed in with perspectives of their own. Prof. Rachael Bello from the Department of English offered an insightful take on the character Shay, explaining that the name symbolises action and bravery. She noted that the book’s plot defied her expectations, which only deepened her interest. A senior lecturer, Dr. Suleiman Hassan, seized the moment to encourage students present at the event, saying, “Events like this are invaluable. Don’t take them lightly; this is how growth begins.”
Beyond the reading, a literary gift was offered to willing adventurous students that turned out a surprise. In an incredible show of generosity, Mr. Omatseye slashed the book’s price from ₦10,000 to ₦2,500 for attendees. The session opened with a Master’s student from Journalism buying 10 copies for the department. Other attendees followed suit, eager to own what had now become a cultural artefact. Omatseye also introduced his other works to the audience that include Beating All Odds: Diaries and Essays on How Bola Ahmed Tinubu Became President, a poetry collection, Scented Offal and his second novel, My Name is Okoro. Each book, like Juju Eyes, offered a blend of tradition, modernity, and informed commentary on today’s youth and society.
The ultimate challenge and surprise. As if the event hadn’t been exciting enough, journalist and writer, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, made a thrilling announcement: students were invited to submit reports of the event, and the best one would be published in his online arts and culture news platform – TheArtHubNg. Mr. Omatseye sweetened the deal by promising a cash prize of ₦100,000 to the best journalistic report of the reading event. The announcement sent waves of excitement across the room, especially among students and aspiring writers.
The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks and a special acknowledgement to a lecturer in the Department of English, Mr. Adejobi Adetunji, for his pivotal role in mobilising students. The official photo session followed, capturing memories of an afternoon where words held power, imagination took flight, and creativity was deeply appreciated. By 2:10 p.m., the hall emptied out but the conversations it sparked continued to echo in the minds and hearts of attendees. No doubt, Juju Eyes is more than a novel; it is a lens through which attendees saw their own reflections, biases, and truths. With his signature style, Mr. Omatseye didn’t just read to an audience, he ignited one. In a world where creativity often fights for air, the event gave it room to breathe and to shine.
* Haruna, a 300 level student of the Department of English, Lagos State university, wrote this piece that won the event’s reportorial prize
