The Africa Literature Trust Fund proudly announces the release of If I Were My Country’s President, a compelling new poetry collection by acclaimed Nigerian media personality and poet Seunmanuel Faleye. Scheduled for publication on March 1, 2025, the book delves into Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking solutions to pressing national issues.
In this masterfully crafted collection, Faleye employs his signature poetic style to explore key challenges facing modern Nigeria, including governance, social justice, economic disparity, and national unity. His verses blend sharp analysis with personal reflections, making the book both a powerful critique and a visionary roadmap for national progress.
“Poetry has always been a catalyst for change,” says Faleye. “Through these verses, I aim not only to highlight our struggles but to inspire readers to reimagine Nigeria’s future—one driven by purposeful leadership and collective action.”
The book’s foreword, written by Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, describes the collection as “more than poetry—it’s a manifesto for national reflection and renewal. I strongly recommend it to anyone invested in Nigeria’s future, from policymakers to students and everyday citizens.”
Pan-African tour: A call for continental dialogue
Accompanying the book launch, Faleye will embark on an ambitious Pan-African tour starting in April 2025. The tour will span three African countries, featuring book readings, workshops, and interactive sessions with literary communities.
“This tour is about more than promoting a book,” Faleye explains. “It’s an opportunity to foster a continental dialogue on our shared struggles and collective solutions. The challenges African nations face are interconnected, and poetry can be a unifying force for understanding and action.”
About the author & publisher
Seunmanuel Faleye is a distinguished Nigerian journalist and filmmaker, known for his work on social justice, governance, and national development. His award-winning short film Deeper Truth, which he co-wrote and produced, addresses religious and ethnic tolerance in Northeast Nigeria.
The Africa Literature Trust Fund, a leading publisher of African literature, is committed to amplifying voices that confront contemporary issues while celebrating Africa’s rich literary heritage.
