In his debut novel, ‘Beaten’, author Obinna Elewe explores the harsh struggles and realities of many Nigerian youths in a stagnant society unprepared for its most productive citizen.
It follows the life of university graduate Acho who struggles to find his place in the world. When his graduate certificate couldn’t earn him a decent living, Acho eked out a living for the next couple of years to acquire a Master’s Degree hanging his hopes on a friend’s previous promise that a better job awaits him after. With his new degree in hand, he leaves Aba for the metropolitan city of Lagos, but disappointment in the form of 10 ten year stretch of unemployment, menial jobs and suffering awaits. Will he be beaten by disillusionment and the resulting mental effects of his struggles? Or is there a light in the end of that tunnel?
Elewe’s ‘Beaten’ is a heightened version of the reality of many Nigerian youths, set in contemporary Nigerian society of today.
Acho’s story woven in 15 chapters tackle issues of youth unemployment, ineffective labour laws, migration (state to state) and the compounding effects of disillusionment on one’s confidence and mental health.
It raises questions of how did the nation come to a point where a master’s degree holder or graduate cannot get a good job? How is it that graduates can’t seem to earn a better or at least similar to blue collar workers? How are Nigerian laws addressing the informal sector businesses where labour abuses such as below minimum wages payments are doled out to overworked Nigerians?
But then, it also gets one thinking – does formal education alone count? How can one hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees but still lack the life skills to if not earn a good living, at least live a healthy middle-class lifestyle?
Elewe inspires readers to ruminate on the fact that formal education is not enough. Rather there are certain impertinent life skills, and even vocational skills/trainings one needs to help support living in our society today. And this is a good a time as any to acquire them.
An Igbo proverb goes “when one wakes up, is his/her morning”. While we cannot wait for insensitive government to tend to the basic infrastructure required by its citizen to live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, we can on our own take-up life skills relevant to survival, in addition to, reaching out to those people, communities, and to God, where we draw strength, inspiration and support in the most difficult times of our lives.
‘Beaten’ is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their life’s journey, challenging them to confront their fears, embrace their passions and find purpose in a chaotic world.
A graduate of English and Literary Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, he also holds a Master’s degree on the subject, and is married happily with his wife and three children.
