‘Until the position of the child is taken seriously, it would be difficult to ensure enforcement of Child Right Act’

By Godwin Okondo

THE author of the longlisted book The Road Does not End for The Nigeria Prize for Literature Olubunmi Familoni has said his book is his second time entry for the prize, having first been longlisted last year his drama piece When Big Masquerades Dance Naked. This year though is his first for children’s literature and for making it to the longlist. Reflecting on what has changed in his writing style, he noted that while he has explored different genres, “not much has changed about the writing, apart from writing in different genres. It’s still the same written word.”

On the genre he finds most enjoyable writing, Familoni said, “I write more plays, one-acts, and radio dramas, so I’ll say I’m enjoying writing drama more these days,” and about the book party for which he featured alongside 10 other writers, he noted, “I’m definitely looking forward to the Book Party and the engagement with other writers and readers.” And about the uniqueness of the book party as energiser of the literary scene, he said, “I think the Book Party is important because of that avenue it gives for the general public to interact with the longlisted writers and also have access to their books.”

On the theme of his book on the longlist, of which children are being made ‘beasts of burden’ in society, he said, “I think it might be the quality of the writing/storytelling and, even though the children are ‘beasts of burden’, the protagonist triumphs in the end; (it’s) a tale of hope.”

On the fate of the heroine of Familoni’s story and the lessons to be drawn from it, he said, “There is hope even in situations that seem infinitely bleak; one just has to keep on going and persevere and never lose character or focus.”

He also spoke about the practice of child labour, which is a common practice among parents and guardians who submit their children and wards to needless hardship, so they could augment family upkeep, he noted that “It (child labour) could stop if the standard of living in the country, especially in urban centres, were improved. Those responsible could make legislation that takes into consideration the importance of the dignity of the child in society; what’s left to do is to make the laws enforceable.”

Olubunmi also noted that he wasn’t new in children’s genre of writing, as he had been writing for children long before now, adding, “I have written children’s stories and written a book for children titled I’ll Call My Brother for You, in 2020. The journey has been interesting and an eye-opener.”

While there’s the Child Right Act to protect minors from being subjected to such indignities as is sos prevalent in the Nigerian society, Familoni said the challenges of enforcing these laws in the country were many but proposes what could be done in that direction so young people get respite from older people who subject them to needless hardships, adding, “I think the challenge would be the prioritization of laws and enforcement, and how seriously the position of the child is taken in society. Until it is taken more seriously, it would be quite difficult to ensure full enforcement of that law.”

Olubunmi Familoni