Interview with Erinfolami Mayowa Toheeb

Published in Issue No. 3, Pulsus Litterae.

My name is Erinfolami Mayowa Toheeb, known as Mayor. I am the current editor-in-chief and co-founder of The League of Young Writers, which I am the initiator. I am a writer, a poet, an activist and a motivational speaker. I am the author of Whispers of Life and Legacy and the co-author of The Shadows of the Unseen Path. The book: The Shadows of the Unseen Path, marked the beginning of the League of Young Writers serving as an avenue for nurturing diverse writing talent across the state.

Interview published in Issue No. 8, Verbum Clavis, May 1st, 2025.

What inspired you to write the piece(s) that was published in Everscribe? Can you share the story behind it?

The dystopian nature of the country made me to write it. And it's hopes for a change. A change for everybody. That's one of the reasons I am an activist. If you check my poem: The blood price for power, The cost of deceit, Wires of potential, Sparks of change and Threaded in the fabric of life. It's all about hope for a change.

What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

Theme of change, which is the most necessary thing. Because, emphasis on change start with everyone. Nothing is impossible that the world can never change. That is why I will always say: "Not trying is losing."

How has your writing evolved since you started? Are there any particular influences that have shaped your style?

Actually, it was the dystopian nature of the country, Nigeria. That led me into writing. I have been writing since seven years ago but I stopped because of some challenges I had at that time. It made me lose interest in writing. Suddenly I woke up one midnight, around Oct 27, 2024. Something, struck my mind to bring up my phone and start typing. That's what birthed Whispers of Life and Legacy.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?

What I can say is that: in all what you do in this life. Everything requires sacrifice. Success requires sacrifice. When I first started this journey I didn't want to spend money at all. But, I later made a sacrifice just to make everything possible.

Are there any upcoming projects or works in progress that you’re particularly excited about?

Yes, it's my book: the Shadows of the Unseen Path. Which was published on January, 2025. It's a collaboration with different young writers like me from different states. The book is about a hope for change, especially in the exploration of different talent, in Nigeria.

How can readers find you and see more of your work?

Searching for my book: Whispers of life and legacy on Amazon and also on Kobo writing life. Search for Erinfolami Mayowa Toheeb to be able to find me directly.