Nita Roberts: Using the pen to make her voice heard

Nita Roberts

It has been a whirlwind of events that the blogpost is coming now. When I got talking to Nita, we blended easily given that we shared similar interests. When she stated that she was a Sisterlocks consultant,  I had to do a quick search on Google to find the meaning. 

This University of Ghana graduate of Economics and Linguistics is simply phenomenal- She writes. You might not know but there is so much that goes into writing( the brain work, thought process, word play, grammar etc). Writing is serious work. So applaud every writer you know.

Can I shock you? Nita started writing at age 7. She recently published her first literary work in November 2024. A collection of four compelling fictional stories -  titled THE DAY MY FATHER DIED And Other Stories covering family, culture, and resilience. 

Omote Ro Dhe was excited with this chat with Nita. Her story is unique and inspirational. There are many cues and lessons to pick. Read below:

Can you share a bit about your childhood and how growing up in Nigeria influenced your love for storytelling?

My childhood days would always be some of the most memorable times of my life. As the last of three girls, born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, by a single mother, I grew up slightly spoiled. I say 'slightly' because my mother was strict but relaxed quite a bit of her armor when it came to me. There was love, laughter, and non-stop chatting, not to mention the occasional drama that is inevitable when you come from a family of women. My mother is the third of seven girls and one boy, and so at one point or the other, they were at our house. I consider myself an observer, the type to be one step removed from situations most of the time, so while life is happening around me, my mind is churning out scenarios and potential stories to write down. I don't know that Nigeria influenced my love for storytelling, per say, because I would have been this same person with this same love for imagining and generating narratives no matter where I grew up, but I would say that Nigeria is such a potpourri of culture, and experiences that offer you a truckload of ideas to sift through. Growing up in Lagos has been like living on a constant roller coaster. It's been exciting, adventurous, and dangerous all at the same time, and for someone who finds it challenging to share the thoughts that go through my mind, I simply write them down. That way, when it's read, then my thoughts are shared... and my voice is heard.

You started writing at seven—what kinds of stories did you create back then? Any early influences?

I wrote all kinds of stories, and in all honesty, I've always been influenced by life itself. I'm constantly inspired by things that happen around me. Also, as the baby of the house, I did not have anyone close to my age to share thoughts with, so I wrote them down. I filled pages of journals (front to back cover) with tales from my imagination.

I recall writing a particular story about five friends who had different fates. It was not typical for an eleven-year-old to write something so heavy and emotional. my mum was so impressed and showered me with praise. I did the mistake of bringing it to school - I was in my first year of Junior Secondary School - and sharing it with my classmates. The book became quite popular and was being passed around to be read. I loved that people were into it, but I got carried away, and instead of keeping tabs on whose possession it was in at a particular time, I was basking in the popularity of my work. Suffice to say, it disappeared into thin air. I haven't made that mistake since then and have guarded every single story of mine with all my might.

After years of writing privately, what finally pushed you to publish THE DAY MY FATHER DIED And Other Stories?  

I felt it was time to share my work. I also wanted to see how it would be perceived. As many times as I've been told that my work is amazing by family and a few friends, it still hasn't quite erased the slight anxiety about putting it out there, but I am glad I did.

How has the response been since your book’s release? Have any reader reactions stood out to you?

The response has been amazing. I can't be grateful enough.

To be honest, not one particular reaction has stood out. And what I mean by this is that they have all been humbling. My desire when writing stories is for my readers to hear my voice, grasp the message, and feel the intent through my writing style. The fact that I get to experience the reality of this desire through all the feedback is simply a blessing. I have triggered some people. I have made some people laugh. And I have simply given others an enjoyable piece.

What exactly is a sisterlocks consultant? Why did you choose this career path too?

A sisterlocks consultant is is a professional trained and certified in the installation and maintenance of Sisterlocks - a trademarked, and versatile form of natural hair locking for tightly textured hair. Sisterlocks are created using a special technique that forms small, uniform locks without the use of hair extensions, waxes, or gels.

I didn't choose it. It chose me.

Are there any female writers or storytellers who have inspired you along the way?

Absolutely! There are a few including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Danielle Steel, Dan Brown, and John Grisham. More current ones would be Damilare Kuku, and Bina Idonijie.

Do you have plans to write more books? If so, what themes are you eager to explore next? 

Yes, I do.

I plan on exploring more controversial themes that pertain to Nigerian society and the world in general, focusing strongly on the rights of women; on family, relationships, love, e.t.c.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women that are your yardstick of being successful?

Success to me is showing up each day, by the grace of God. Life can get tough sometimes, so I measure success by daily effort. If you can get up, show up, and get through each day while giving it your best, I consider that success. The reason is that every little effort counts and adds up to become something bigger, something beneficial, and before you know it, you've made progress you didn't even realize was happening. Success isn't always about big wins or grand achievements; it's about resilience, persistence, and the courage to keep moving forward. Each step, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating because it brings you closer to your goals and strengthens you for the journey ahead.

Some women who inspire me are my Mother, Chimamanda Adichie, and every woman who has pushed beyond any limitations placed in front of her.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

Stay focused, be intentional, be prayerful, and be patient.

This is what my Mother constantly tells me, so I'm passing it on.