WRITERS FOCUS: MEET DR MOMOH KABIR

 

On Writers Focus today, Francisca Okwulehie chats with Historical Writer, Dr Momoh Kabir

In this warm conversation, they talk about writing, writing mentors and his latest book, "A Historical Perspective of the Ayuele Kingdom."

MGC: Can you start by introducing yourself and providing some background about your journey as a writer? What inspired you to pursue writing, and how did you come up with the idea for your recently published book?

MK: I am Momoh A.M Kabir Ph.D. Right from my elementary school days I developed the urge to write. I grew up in a family were education was prioritized. Hence my early fascination with reading the textbooks that abounds around me. This boosted my urge to recollect what I have read in writing. The foray into my recently published book was informed majorly by the near absolute disconnect of the young ones from their past thus presenting them without adequate knowledge of their roots. Sadly even the majority of adults i observed, are ailed by the same challenge. Consequently parents have nothing to offer their children in terms of their heritage. This necessitated the need to fill this seeming yawning gap.

MGC: Every author has a unique writing process. Could you share some insights into your writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you stay focused and productive during the writing process? 

MK: My writing habits is essentially affected by my mood. No special ritual.

MGC: Characters often play a crucial role in a book's success. How do you go about developing your characters? Are they inspired by real people, or do they come entirely from your imagination?

MK: My strength lies in the interrogation of historical past. Which is why my characters are real. This reality enables a constant connection with them, and this serves as a huge inspiration.

 

MGC: Writing a book is undoubtedly a challenging task. Can you discuss some of the challenges you faced while working on your recent book? On the flip side, what were some of the most rewarding moments or triumphs you experienced during the writing and publishing journey?

MK: Without a doubt it is quit challenging to write. In my own case my focus was intermittently disrupted by my official commitments. I only had a relief, towards the twilight of my civil service career. On the flip side however, it was most exhilarating to see the huge reception and acceptability accorded the book, by all and sundry

 

MGC: Books often convey messages or explore specific themes. What themes or messages were you aiming to communicate through your latest work? Are there particular ideas or issues that you hope readers will take away from your book?

MK: Issues of the past harbours a large vestibule of ideas and lessons. The present is often complex for quite a lot of folks to comprehend. Unknown to them, the present is only a manifestation of the past they are unfortunately ignorant of. Take away is that lessons of the past in various sectors of the society have to be learnt. This will enable them to avoid the mistake of the past and prevent history from repeating itself.

 

MGC: Many authors draw inspiration from various sources. Are there any writers, books, or other forms of art that have significantly influenced your writing style or the themes you explore in your work?

MK: My inspiration are drawn largely from renowned Autobiographies, writers and their works. They are many but to mention a few of the writers; Chief Obafemi Awolowo( AWO:The Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo), Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe(MY ODYSSEY) , Chief Anthony Enahoro( THE FUGITIVE OFFENDER), Professor Wole Soyinka(AKE:My Childhood Days), Professor Chinua Achebe(THINGS FALL APART) , Malam Aminu Kano,  Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia(ZAMBIA SHALL BE FREE), sir Winston Churchill (MY EARLY LIFE),Abraham Lincoln, Blanche Wiesen Cook(ELEANOR ROOSEVELT) , Olusegun Obasanjo(MY COMMAND), Elechi Amadi(SUNSET IN BIAFRA),Mahatma Gandi, amongst numerous others.

MGC: How do you envision your target audience? Is there a specific demographic or group of readers you had in mind while writing your book? How do you think your work will resonate with different types of readers? 

MK: Interestingly my book is not restricted to a particular demographic group. Although the young ones are in my mind in the sense that they cannot be blamed for lacking the knowledge of their heritage. But the book targets, both the young and the old, the educated, the not so learned, the highly placed as well as the lowly positioned. The book contains subjects of interest for all strata of the society.

 

MGC: Now that your book is published, what are your plans for the future? Are you working on any new projects, and can you provide a glimpse into what readers can expect from you in the coming months or years?

MK: Definitely, there are future projects. I am  currently working on an anthology of simple poems for children. The major attraction being the innocence that pervades that genre. Besides I am looking at the process of working on the biographies of selected individuals of high repute and achievement that have impacted our society positively. I am also looking at working on a collection of African proverbs and wise sayings, due to the wisdom that contained there in. Finally, issues of Nigerian foreign policies and integration in Africa cannot be resisted in the near future.

 

MGC: Are you on social media? Please share your handles so your readers can connect with you.

MK:  Certainly yes. I am on Facebook and the X app. Facebook username is @muhammedkabirmomoh and X handle is @KabirMomoh61239