It’s 2118 and you’ve arrived in Lagos for a book festival. When you step out of the airport, what is the first thing you see?

It’s hard to say since teleportation will make human travel via airplanes redundant. Yes, I’m a believer.

You’ve been selected for a mission to the moon. Which African author are you taking and why?

Can I say no? If I must go, I’m taking (politely asking) Nnedi Okorafor. I think she has the necessary survival knowledge.

What invention do you think would change the lives of Africans today?

I wish I could think of a humane invention to keep these leaders who keep failing us in check.  While we work towards establishing home-grown democratic institutions, I do believe a portable, eco-friendly waste to electricity machine will help with power outages. Just imagine the positive impact on our productivity. It will also address some of our sanitation challenges.

Two things you’re doing when not reading or writing?

I’m listening to music or daydreaming.

To what extent has African literature envisioned an African future?

We need more stories which challenge us not to put rigid boundaries around our imagination.

What book do you think best captures Afrofuturism?

Based on the few Afrofuturistic novels I’ve read, I’ll say ‘Who Fears Death’ by Nnedi Okorafor.

You wake up one morning to find that you’ve grown a pair of wings. What do you do?

If those wings can carry my weight, I’m off to an exotic destination. I’m always thinking of economical ways to travel.

Name one book that made you think differently about the world.

Reading ‘The Joys of Motherhood’ by Buchi Emecheta as a young girl made me think about my place in the world and how I intend to walk through it.

What is the most difficult part of your creative process?

It’s getting to the finish line. As the story progresses, I tend to lose steam.

What is your African dream?

A self-sustaining continent.