Editor’s Note

Welcome to Ayaka!

Ayaka is a fierce masquerade in Southeastern Nigeria dreaded for the truth it dispenses in its songs and proverbs as it makes it way around the village in its complete invisibility.  Ayaka, the magazine, owes its mission to this mystical and mythical institution and seeks to represent in its tenets the joys (and pains) of unembellished truths.

Nigeria needs an authentic voice on contemporary issues.  Like its masked forebearer, Ayaka seeks to provide a comprehensive perspective on Nigeria: the good and not so good.  Our readers will see Nigeria for who she is, a complexity that cannot be explained in short flippant sentences or stanzas.  Through our essays, our readers will laugh, cry, or be indifferent, but they will not misrepresent Nigeria, because we would have laid bare all there is to see.

Ayaka may not be your primary source for daily news.  However, it will be your first stop for a comprehensive exposé on topical issues as well as events.  The topics will cover a wide range of subjects that have been categorized into three broad areas: Culture | Politics | Life.  Our goal is to present a medium to inform, intrigue and inspire!  Ayaka will achieve this goal locking hands with our readers.  We will provide the materials.  You will expand the discourse with your thoughts and comments.  Hopefully, together, we promote Nigeria(ns) and raise awareness within and beyond our borders.  Even when the topic of discussion is food!

My sincerest gratitude to the Ayaka team and contributors, who gave so selflessly of themselves.  May the sun never set on our dreams.

Awele Okigbo is the Editor and Creator of Ayaka (the magazine not the masquerade).