By Prisca Sam-Duru

 Award-winning author, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor recently launched another fiction for her adult readers, after publishing ‘If They Tell The Story’ in 2020. The novel titled ‘See Morocco See Spain’, was presented to the public at the Alliance Francais/Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The book launch witnessed a large turn out of the author’s family members, friends, colleagues and spiritual leaders.

 In addition to readings from the novel with a very unique title, ace journalist and poet, Akeem Lasisi, who anchored the event, entertained guests with on the spot spoken word performances.

 Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor’s “See Morocco, See Spain”, tells the story of a young Nigerian man, Nosakhare, who embarks on a dangerous journey through the Sahara Desert in pursuit of greener pastures in Europe. The book explores themes of hope, sacrifice, and the human cost of migration, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals seeking a brighter future overseas.

See Morocco, See Spain is therefore, “a riveting tale of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams as Nosakhare dares to imagine a brighter future beyond the borders of his homeland. With hope as his anchor, he embarks on a harrowing journey through the scorching Sahara Desert, enduring deceitful agents, harsh terrains, and unthinkable hardships.”

As their journey progressed, the protagonist is joined by others, each driven by their aspirations and haunted by their pasts.

Heart rendering and inspiring, See Morocco, See Spain captures the human cost of migration, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of hope in a world of borders and barriers.

In his review, author of Brides of the Infidels and Igho Goes to Farm, Anote Ajeluorou, lamented the migration conundrum plaguing Nigeria. According to him, Chiazor-Enenmor’s story on japa syndrome is so real and mind-blowing. Anote stated further that the fact remains that politically, socially and economically Nigeria is not doing well hence the craze for the search for greener pastures overseas. The decision to japa by all means which most often, becomes calamitous he noted, “Is at the heart of the Story?

 Ndidi read an excerpt from page 15 as well as 173 that talks about one of the characters in the book known as Ezenwa, and the story of what motivated him to leave Nigeria.

The author whose Children’s books, ‘A Hero’s Welcome’ was longlisted for the NLNG-sponsored The Nigeria Prize For Literature in 2019 also had ‘A Father’s Pride’ making the finals in 2024 for the same Prize.

Explaining how the inspiration for the novel came, she disclosed, “I dedicated this particular work to my cousin. His name is Ejike. He made that journey about 26 years ago. Until now, we don’t know where he is. So, my husband who knows about him, encouraged me to start writing about his story knowing that I’ve always wanted to write something on migration. Apart from Ejike, my cousin, I have other cousins who have made that journey through the Sahara Desert. They succeeded but this particular cousin of mine we don’t know what became of him.”

Continuing she said, “Infact, it was my husband who gave me the title ‘See Morocco See Spain’ which I laughed at, at first. Along the line, when I approached Purple Shelves with the work, Amara said, “I love this title.” And that kind of motivated me to start. I’m like, “What kind of multi-title is this?” But when Amara said, “No, I love the title,”, I started off, and finished the first draft in less than three months.

I’ve also gone to Spain, I visited Spain in 2005 with my husband. We went to Malaga, Madrid, and Mallorca. And I’ve seen many people who made that journey. So many of the things I wrote in this book are about those that survived.”

 Explaining how much research went into the book’s production she said, “There are so many other people that I consulted in the process of writing the book. One of them is my pastor, Dr. Anthony Okoh

When I told him about it, he gave me contact of somebody who traveled to Italy. I also acknowledge Austin, a Nigerian who made the journey by road. And of course, I have a friend, a classmate of mine from Secondary School, she actually was with the Italian Coast Guard. So, I did a lot of research, asked so many questions and people told me real stories.”