INTERVIEW WITH AISHA ALIYU

      Writing is an urge to express my feelings, to feed my empty papers ink of pain. -Aisha Aliyu        

       

Who is Aisha Aliyu?

She is Aisha Mustapha. She was born on the 11th of November, 1994 to an extended family of Mustapha Lukpan, and she became Aliyu Aisha in 1998.

Tell us more about yourself?

I'm a girl with two identities. I'm from Bida, Niger state. I was born in Minna. I lost my dad when I was three and I was adopted by my big cousin brother. He changed my name from Aisha Mustapha to Aisha Aliyu. I was taken from Bida local government where my dad died and was buried. I was taken from my mom, far away from my biological home and my siblings to Lagos state, where I started a new life as Aisha Aliyu.

I was way too young to realize my new fate. I thought I was just going for a vacation, there I attended new schools, I had new friends, new siblings, new Parents, new home...years passed by and I began to miss my biological home, that place was always on my mind as I grew up. My mom never visited me nor did any of my siblings

I graduated from nursery and primary school and as time went on, I began to forget my history, where I was born faded away in my memory.

What is the practical daily life of Aisha Aliyu?

Just wake up, do the house chores assigned to me, go to school, return home and attend Islamic school at evenings.

What is writing to you?

Writing is an urge to express my feelings, to feed my empty papers ink of pain.

What is your source of inspiration?
I had no specific inspiration, but partially, pain inspired me to write.

Why do you think writers are unique and different from others?

They are unique because they've gotten a talent unleash able. What differentiate them from others is their ability to pen down their instincts, bind out a hardcopy of their imaginations, intelligence and aspirations of life.

What do you think are the challenges faced by Nigerian writers?

Well you see, the challenges are very high. Little I can say is that Nigerian writers lack inspiration, motivation and support. I once went for publishing and I was discouraged by the way I was approached. At first I quit writing because I see no point in writing on the four walls of my room for the rest of my life. I really wanted to onymous, not just to Nigeria but to the rest of the world.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Probably managing  digital contents, that's in writing. I'm presently into arts and architecture. I'm proposing to drop architecture before I leap to see my future in writing.

Who are your role models?

Muhammad (SAW), my mom and Yesmin Mogaheed.

How do you relax in your leisure time?

On my couch...I make scripts, surf and listen to music all day long. Anything indoors because I'm that type.

Your favourite quote?

"Aim high because the bottom is overcrowded".

Your favourite food?

Irish potato.

Your favourite colour?

White.

Your favourite choice for holiday destination?

Paris.

Your social media platforms for fans to reach you?

Whatsapp @08168865412, Facebook @ Aisha Aliyu and Instagram @ Aliyuaishamustee.