This was a live podcast with an audience   Lola Shoneyin is a Nigerian poet and author who launched her debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives, in the UK in May 2010   She is currently the director of Book Buzz Foundation, Nigeria- a non-governmental organisation whose main aims are promoting literacy through the creation of reading programmes for children and developing reading spaces.   The foundation also organises the Ake Arts and Book Festival,  an annual literary, cultural and arts event that takes place in Abeokuta, Nigeria   Lola  is also an award-winning writer and a cultural activist.   In this episode you’ll learn:   How she developed a relationship with the late Bola Ige. In 1996, she got 10000 from Bola ige to publish her poem Lola wrote her first literary piece when she was six years old. How? How did Lola cope as a 6 year old boarding school student in England? The importance of making a connection between a book and the writer What is the advantage of engaging with and consuming literature at a very early age? “It is important to be in a space where you love what you are doing” What did Lola mean by this? The difference between approval and acceptance The biggest tragedy of the country. What is it? How does it affect creative young people? Ake festival has always held in Abeokuta. Why is it moving to Lagos? What is the vision for the festival? Lola is working on a reader app and an innovation hub for creatives. What should you expect? The importance of data in leading the future Lola says she is jealous of scientists. What does she mean? And more   Selected links from this episode   Sterling bank Amazon Kindle Roving heights Ake festival Select book from this episode