Writers Focus: Dr Yusuf Abubakar

In this engaging interview, Francisca Okwulehie chats with Dr Yusuf Abubakar, a director at the National  Defence College about his book on terrorism and how the writing industry can be encouraged. They talk about favourite authors and the fascinating thing about writing.

FOO: Tell us about yourself.( Name, Schools attended, Family etc)

YA: My name is Yusuf Abubakar from Agbede Estakor West LGA, Edo State. I was born in Ilorin-Kwara State on 23 March 1973 and at the age of 7 precisely in 1980 my family moved to Enugu state where I spent all my teenage age. I completed my primary and secondary education in Enugu and Nsukka and finally gained admission into Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Edo State where I studied Philosophy.  

FOO: How did you get into Writing?

YA: I got into writing from primary school when I used to write short stories and my primary school teacher at Uwani River primary School in Enugu would call me aside and ask how I was able to fabricate the stories. I also read a lot of works from the African Writers Series and other African authors. Books like Chike and the River, One week one trouble, Passport of Mallam Iliya, Arrow of God, No Longer at Ease, Lion and the Jewel, etc inspired me in my elementary school days. By the time I was in high school, I was already writing plays and drama for my school to act. 

FOO: Who are your favourite Authors?

YA: Chinua Achebe is my favorite author, followed by Mariama Ba from Senegal. She wrote so long a letter. In most of my works I copied her style of presentation.  

FOO: Do you have published work(s)/ articles? ( Where can they be found?)

YA: I have published several works mainly for the purpose of my official engagement working at the National Defence College Nigeria. I wrote for about a year for leadership opinion page. The central theme of my works were on countering violent extremism. I have also published articles in reputable journals both locally and internationally. My latest article titled “Islamism and Social Movement Framework in Global Politics” can be found in  https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ai/issue/view/18550 Google Yusuf Abubakar Mamud, Leadership newspaper, you will find all my articles. 

FOO: What is the most fascinating thing you have been able to do with your Writing?

YA: The publication of the book titled “In God’s Name we Fight” is my first book publication and in my opinion the most fascinating work I have done. The reason is because it is a true-life story reduced in a story format so as to send a message. Unfortunately, we operate in a society where reading and writing is not appreciated. But I am not discouraged because someday someone somewhere will discover the depth of the work.  The work is just a simple solution on how we can address the threat of Boko Haram. It is an insider’s story which should be recommended to schools in the North in order to change the narrative. 

FOO: Do you have writing Mentors?

YA: My writing mentors are Chinua Achebe and Mariama Ba. Many people may not know Mariama Ba, but she is Senegalese. Her most celebrated work is titled “So long a Letter”. 

FOO: Is there anything you think the Writing Industry can do to get better?

YA: Yes, I think the writing industry needs proper unionism. The early writers enjoyed this unity of purpose through the African Writers Series. Today, writing is no longer promoted and it is seen in our public communication. How many competitions do we have that promote writing skills? How many specialized writing schools do we have for upskilling and reskilling in the act of writing? The Nollywood industry, music industry and other literary societies ought to be in a close knitted web that will be used to regulate writing and ensure that writers get the respect they deserve in the society. 

FOO: What is your fashion sense, on a scale of 1-10 ?

YA: 8-9. I love fashion and I love to dress well because I think I am good looking as well. 

FOO: Do you have a specific time for writing?

YA: No, my laptop is always by myside. So when the ideas come, I just open and start writing. 

FOO: What sort/ genre of books do you read?

YA: I am a researcher by training. So officially I write on issues of conflict studies, peace studies, Islamism, terrorism, violent extremism and other related regional studies. However, it is my opinion that the products of our research are made available to a selected few of the society. So, I tried to render my narration of the products of my research in a loose language that the ordinary person on the street can appreciate. This is the objective of my writing. 

FOO: If you were to go on a date with an Author or Writer, who would that be and why?

YA: Well, I assume we are using the word date loosely here so that my wife does not attack me. Nevertheless, I would like to go on a date with our young and talented Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She has made us proud and we need to celebrate her because it is her time. For me, she is just one young girl, who I would like to know, what runs in her brain and I wish I can make her meet my daughters so that they know and realize that there are Nigerian women who are flying in cloud 9.  

FOO: Do you think Writers should depend on the profits of their writing alone?( What's your opinion on Writer's having a side hustle?) 

YA: Writing is not lucrative in Nigeria so dont blame writers who try to have side hustle. It is not easy. I am able to move on because I am a public servant with a lot of international exposure. I single handedly published my books because I can afford it. I shared the books to secondary schools in Abuja just because of the love for reading. And I am ready to share more.  

FOO: If you were to go on a vacation, what will be the five things you take along as a Writer?

YA: My laptop, a book I am currently writing titled a brief history of time by Stephen hawking, and three other books I have dreamt to read. 

FOO: Drop your social media handles so your readers can get in touch with you.

YA: Dr Abubakar Yusuf @Abu7323

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abubakar-yusuf-phd-a4211187

Thanks for your time and attention.