I Stand for Peace and Justice – Mujeedat Idris
Could you introduce yourself to netizens?
My name is Mujeebat Idris, the Bronze Winner of the 2021 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay competition, a lover of arts and literature. A very good communicator and an essayist.
What nationality are you?
I am a Nigerian from Yoruba extraction.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was fantastic, being the first child and daughter of my parents. I grew up with my parents and my two sisters. My parents were very cautious about our lifestyle and to be honest, it was the best experience so far. I was not allowed to own a phone until I finished my SSCE and I must say that I appreciate that decision.
You’re a ẉriter, what prompted you into writing?
Actually, I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I love putting all my thoughts, ideas and views about things into writing. Also, my upbringing made it easy for me to develop my writing skills because my dad had big bookshelves that were filled with different books. I also had easy access to newspapers and couldn’t do without reading newspapers in a day.
Do you do some poetry as well?
Yes. I also write poems but I mostly write essays.
I’m aware you’ve won some laurels. Could you mention them?
The only significant award I have for now is that of the 2021 Queen”s Commonwealth Essay competition prize.
What do you stand for?
I stand for peace and justice.
Was there any parental objection to your writing?
Not at all. In fact,my dad is also a very brilliant writer and he’s my mentor and editor as regards to writing. And I’m also my mom’s editor as well.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself winning more awards and gaining more public recognition through hard work and consistency.
What’s your advise to other youth?
Everyone has a strength; something they can do better than their peers. My advice to the youths is to discover their strength and make use of it to the best of their ability.
Are you satisfied with the goings on in your country. If not, could you suggest ways in which the country could be a bit better?
I don’t think anyone is satisfied with the happenings in the country. Is it the inflation?? Or the insecurity?? Or the high rate of poverty and hunger?? For me, I think everyone should embrace the notion of love. Love conquers everything. Everyone should love and encourage love. This is the only solution I can think of.
Tell us of your happiest day, so far.
So far, so good, my happiest day was 15th October,2021. Two things made me happy that day. The first was that I granted my first television interview with OGTV as a result of my award. The second thing that made me happy was that I got my first phone ever.
What about your most embarrassing day?
The most embarrassing day I can remember is the day I forgot my lines while I was rendering a public poem.
