Abuja: Nathaniel Bivan, a solutions and conflict journalist, has stressed the need for compatriots to always tell creative and innovative stories about Nigeria and Africa at large, to bolster meaningful growth. Bivan, who is also the author of the debut novel “Boys Girls and Beasts,” released on November 15, 2024, gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bivan highlighted the importance of storytelling as a means to showcase solutions and promote understanding of pressing social and environmental challenges, ensuring progress. He stated, “We need to explore the Nigerian and African story the best way we can, be it through fiction or nonfiction.” Bivan emphasized the role of writers in expressing themselves to share their knowledge and perspectives with the world.
Bivan, who has been a journalist for over a decade, sees speculative fiction as a tool to reveal truths that may not be easily reported. He expressed that his writing is not meant to entertain but is inspired by news events and everyday occurrences that provoke thought. His novel explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, love, and hate, illustrating the complexities of human nature and societal issues.
He urged people to reflect on their society and its challenges, noting that the themes in “Boys, Girls and Beasts” are not unique to Nigeria or Africa but are part of a global phenomenon. Bivan also highlighted the hidden challenges posed by supporters of terror groups who share extremist ideologies, stressing the importance of addressing these issues effectively.
Bivan’s experiences as a former Arts Editor for Daily Trust Newspapers and Features Editor for HumAngleMedia, along with his background in solutions and conflict journalism across various Nigerian states, inform his storytelling and insights into societal challenges.