Israel Oluyemi
For many young writers, the dream of turning words into a career often meet the hard reality of little support and scarce opportunities. But for Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan, those challenges became the foundation of a remarkable literary journey.
The Canada-based writer, filmmaker and educator has built a fame that reflects her passion for storytelling, education women empowerment. Her novels, television scripts and educational projects have given life to many African voices and inspired others to use stories as tools for change. But Oyinsan’s rise in the literary world did not come without struggle.
The author, whose books include The Fabulous Four, The Missing Black Panther, Three Women, Adventures of Anansi and Sewa and Halima, revealed much about this last Wednesday when she was featured by the Committee for the Relevant Arts in its BookTrek project held in Lagos. She did not mince words on the fact that sustaining a writing career is no child’s play in a system where the creative industry lacks institutional backing.
At the programme held at Lekki Peninsula College, which was, interestingly founded by her, she said many writers had the talent but not the support to thrive. So strategic was the venue that many students of the college were in attendance.
“It’s not like we had or still have many institutions that really supported writers,” Oyinsan said. “So, one had to struggle almost alone.”
But Oyinsan eventually turned obstacles into stepping stones, especially with the grant opportunity she had.
She said, “I would not have been able to write this well if I did not enjoy grants that allowed me not to worry about money. Every writer deserves this kind of support.. Our society has to realise that literature contributes immensely to national and global development. Writing and the arts are not just entertainment. Good art also has a positive impact on the economy.”
To upcoming writers, Oyinsan’s message was simple and sincere, urging them to stay consistent, learn continuously, and believe in the power of their crafts. She reminded them that writing could shape minds, challenge systems and build communities.
Through resilience, well-applied opportunity and a strong vision, Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan has indeed turned her passion into purpose. Her story — marked by struggle, discovery and triumph — became a source of light for the audience, especially the tender students, at the BookTrek session.
She proved that, even in difficult times, words still carry the power to inspire and empower.