By Zaynab Adesina
Literary scholars, media experts, legal practitioners and creatives on Saturday, May 23, 2026, gathered at the Tayo Aderinokun Memorial Theatre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, for the official launch and unveiling of After the Maps, a 323-page historical fiction novel written by Nigerian author and multidisciplinary creative, Hamzah Olatunji Alimi.
The event featured book readings, author conversations, panel discussions, poetry performances and media engagements, attracting students, academics, literary enthusiasts and other guests.
The book reviewer and Professor of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Lagos, Prof. Ismail Ibraheem, described the novel as a historical fiction that revisits Africa’s encounter with Europe through the transatlantic slave trade and colonial partitioning of the continent.
He explained that the narrative follows Wole, the protagonist, through whose perspective the historical and socio political experiences of Africa are examined.
According to him, the book reflects on how Europeans “came, put our people into slavery through the transatlantic slave trade, took our natural resources and then partitioned Africa into different countries through colonialism,” noting that it offers a reflective lens on Africa’s historical experience.
Muslim News gathered that the event also featured a panel session with Tufayl Adelakun, Barrister Belinda Ezeofor Ujunwa, Barrister Barakah Olagboye and the author, Hamzah Alimi.
The panellists discussed colonialism, racism, mental slavery and neo colonialism, noting that while physical enslavement has ended, psychological dependence and cultural conditioning remain significant challenges in Africa.
They observed that many Africans have been conditioned to prefer foreign goods over locally made products and often show greater admiration for foreigners than for themselves, describing this as a lingering form of mental slavery.
They further emphasised the need for African unity, arguing that the continent cannot achieve true liberation without stronger cooperation among African states. They also called on leaders to demonstrate responsibility, compassion and accountability in governance.
The discussants advocated for educational reforms that would ensure African children are taught their true history from an early age, stressing that generational gaps in historical knowledge have contributed to the persistence of neo colonial influence.
Highlights of the book launch included poetry renditions by students of Raodhot Schools, Faaiz Gbadamosi and Hameedah Kalejaiye, as well as a spoken word performance by Zaynab Favourspath Adesina, whose pieces explored identity and cultural memory.
Contributions were also received from members of the audience, including Prof. Oreagba, Dr Abdullah Shuaib, Ustadh Abdurrazaq Abdussalam, Dr Hafsat Adesina and others, who described the session as insightful and intellectually engaging.
In his remarks, the author, Hamzah Alimi, expressed appreciation to guests who attended the launch and those who contributed generously to its success, stressing the importance of Africans reconnecting with their roots and understanding their authentic history.
He said the book seeks to deepen historical consciousness and promote greater awareness of Africa’s past and present realities.
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