By Onyeka Ezike

A Throw of a Lemon, by Tunde Adeparusi, is a mesmerising tapestry of poetic reflections that captures the unpredictability of life with remarkable depth and nuance. Each poem in this collection peels back the layers of human existence, exploring themes of love, loss, resilience, self-discovery, encounters, perceptions and identity. In other words, the book explores various themes that are central to the human experience, suggesting that the poems in the collection offer a thoughtful and introspective examination of life’s complexities:

Through evocative imagery and lyrical storytelling, the poet crafts a world where emotions are raw yet beautifully woven into the fabric of experience. Much like the sharp tang of a lemon—both bitter and refreshing—the verses encapsulate the contradictions of life, urging readers to embrace both struggle and triumph with equal reverence.

This collection effortlessly moves between the deeply personal and the profoundly universal, making each poem an intimate window into the poet’s world while simultaneously reflecting the shared human journey. The verses traverse landscapes both physical and emotional, drawing on nature, heritage, and survival as recurring metaphors. With a keen awareness of the interplay between tradition and modernity, the poetry resonates with those who straddle the lines between past and present, between memory and reinvention.

Readers will find echoes of their own experiences in the poet’s words, making this book a deeply relatable and transformative read.
What sets A Throw of a Lemon apart is its ability to extract profound meaning from life’s seemingly ordinary moments. The poet masterfully captures fleeting instances of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery, infusing them with a timeless quality that lingers long after the last page is turned. The collection does not shy away from the harsh realities of existence but instead highlights the resilience found within them. Each poem becomes an invitation—to reflect, to question, and to find beauty even in adversity.

More than just a collection of poems, A Throw of a Lemon is an artistic exploration of survival and renewal. It celebrates the strength embedded in the everyday—the small victories, the quiet resistance, the moments of clarity that arise from life’s uncertainties. It reminds readers that even the most challenging experiences can become sources of creativity, growth, and reinvention. Whether one is navigating personal hardships or seeking solace in the rhythm of words, this book offers a poetic refuge filled with wisdom and introspection.

Perfect for lovers of thoughtful and evocative poetry, A Throw of a Lemon appeals to readers from all walks of life, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Whether you are drawn to poetry for its beauty, its power to heal, or its ability to challenge perspectives, this collection will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. A must-read for those who cherish poetry that speaks to the soul, this book is a testament to the enduring power of words and the art of finding grace amid life’s sharp edges.

About the author

Babatunde Adeparusi, simply known as ‘Tunde Adeparusi, is a man of many talents whose creative and innovative expertise spans the domains of language, art, and social sciences. Tunde completed his secondary education at Mary Hill Boys High School in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, graduating in 1991. He then attended Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, where he re-sat for his West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams in 1992.

A highly accomplished individual, ‘Tunde graduated as one of the top students from the Faculty of Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Department of Foreign Languages in the 1999/2000 academic session. His passion for knowledge and scholarship has seen him author numerous articles that have been published both locally and internationally. Among his notable publications is the book, Understanding and Preventing Youth Crime: An Investigation into Gun and Knife Violence (2017), an academic project work exploring critical issues related to youth crime prevention when youth crime was at its peak in the United Kingdom (2008). Beyond his literary contributions, he has pioneered and executed a wide range of public and private projects in the areas of art, security, space design and management, landscaping, and beyond.

As a seasoned Security Consultant with a master’s degree in international criminology from the University of Greenwich, London, ‘Tunde is deeply entrenched in the security industry. He is the Managing Director of Operational Security Nigeria and UK, overseeing strategic security initiatives. He is also a member of the British Society of Criminology (BSC) and a certified member of the Security Institute (SI), United Kingdom.

Driven by his passion for a safer Nigeria, particularly in critical entry points, he proposed a groundbreaking security solution to the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at curbing the rampant cases of stowaways and other security breaches in Nigerian airports. His proposal became the foundation for the prototype security architecture that ultimately led to the development of the surveillance system (security watchtowers) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos—the nation’s busiest gateway. The success of this initiative has resulted in its replication across other airports in Nigeria, further reinforcing security within the country’s aviation sector.

In addition to his contributions to national security (through projects and regular newspaper articles), ‘Tunde’s artistic vision has been instrumental in reshaping the aesthetic landscape of various spaces. He is the Managing Director and founder of Batsado Nigeria, a company he established in 2005 specializing in art (including an art gallery), designs, landscaping, and related creative ventures. The interiors of the newly commissioned airport facility in Ikeja, Lagos, were executed by a dedicated team under his leadership. His creativity and ingenuity in space management have been evident in numerous other projects.

A passionate art enthusiast and promoter, ‘Tunde has been an unwavering supporter of young Nigerian artists, offering them platforms for exposure through exhibitions and patronage. His dedication to the growth of the local and international art community underscores his deep commitment to cultural and artistic excellence. Additionally, he is the CEO of Idea-Hub Ireland and Idea-Hub UK, both of which focus on fostering innovation and creative solutions across multiple industries. He founded Idea-Hub Ireland as a private organization dedicated to incubating the creative and innovative abilities of young people and other interested individuals, particularly those residing in Irish society. The inspiration behind Idea-Hub Ireland stemmed from his recognition of the gap in artistic collaboration between Irish artists and their Nigerian counterparts—a gap that he believed must be bridged to foster greater artistic exchange and cultural synergy.

Beyond his engagements in security and the arts, ‘Tunde plays a crucial role in the global travel industry. As a Global (Ticketing) Advisor for an international organization headquartered in the United Kingdom, he brings his expertise to bear in facilitating seamless travel operations within the multinational organization, which provides holiday and travel services globally.

He is also an active member of FixPolitics, a citizen-led movement focused on transforming political structures and fostering innovation in governance within Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world. His commitment to positive change is reflected in his research and advocacy efforts, particularly in the areas of youth crime, policing, and terrorism. Currently, as a doctoral researcher at Keele University United Kingdom, Tunde’s current research focuses on the pressing issue of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, contributing to the broader discourse on security and conflict resolution in the country.

On a personal level, ‘Tunde Adeparusi is a devoted Christian, a father, blessed with three wonderful children. His life’s work exemplifies his dedication to intellectual pursuit, artistic innovation, and security advancement. Whether through his academic research, creative endeavours, or security initiatives, he continues to make meaningful contributions to the society, locally and internationally.