Abuja Book Launch Blends Fantasy, Philanthropy as Dexter Loko Introduces The Bako of Zereshé

Guests expecting an evening devoted solely to literature at a book event in Abuja on Sunday evening received an unexpected surprise when Nigerian-Irish author Dexter Loko announced that half of the proceeds from the launch of his latest novel, The Bako of Zereshé, would be donated to the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Durumi, Abuja to support the provision of food and toiletries for its inhabitants.

The announcement, met with warm applause from attendees, reflected a cause that has remained close to the writer’s heart for more than a decade. Loko explained that the novel, while firmly rooted in fantasy, draws inspiration from two of his favourite cities, Abuja London, as well as the realities of terrorism in north-eastern Nigeria and is dedicated to those whose lives have been affected by it.

“I’ve always believed that stories can entertain while also encouraging us to reflect,” Loko told guests. “Behind every fictional conflict in this novel are real experiences that inspired it. Donating part of the proceeds felt like a small but meaningful way of giving something back to some of those who have been directly affected.”

The launch marked the official unveiling of The Bako of Zereshé, a 550-page fantasy novel published by GrandTouch Press, an independent publisher based in Lagos. Friends, family, readers, and members of Abuja’s literary community gathered to celebrate the release, filling the African-themed venue with lively conversation before settling in for an evening of readings, discussions, and piping cups of locally brewed tea.

During the event, Loko introduced audiences to the novel’s premise. The story, set in 2018, follows a young British journalist travelling to north-eastern Nigeria to report on the abduction of schoolchildren by Boko Haram. His assignment takes an extraordinary turn when he stumbles upon Zereshé, a hidden magical state unknown to the outside world – including Nigerians. As he struggles to survive and understand its people, he is drawn into events far greater than he could ever have imagined.

Reading from one of the novel’s early chapters, Loko offered guests a glimpse into the world of Zereshé before receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Although the novel embraces sun gods, ancient magic and epic adventure, Loko said its emotional foundation lies in universal human experiences.

“I want readers anywhere in the world to recognise themselves in these characters,” he said. “Whether someone picks up this book in Nigeria, Ireland or anywhere else, I hope they connect with the themes of courage, belonging, sacrifice and hope.”

Now based in Dublin, Loko has spent several years balancing his professional career as a Business Analyst with his work as an author. His debut publication, The Day the Sun Vanished, a collection of short stories, introduced his writing to readers through launches and signings in Dublin before reaching audiences in London, Toronto and Amsterdam.

This time, however, bringing his second book to Nigerian readers first was a deliberate decision.

“This story belongs here,” Loko said. “Launching it first in Nigeria meant a great deal to me because so much of its inspiration comes from this country, its people and its resilience.”

The author also reflected on the beginnings of his writing journey, recalling an early fascination with books that eventually grew into a desire to create worlds of his own. He credited his parents with encouraging that imagination from childhood by surrounding him with books and supporting his creative ambitions without hesitation.

Rather than viewing The Bako of Zereshé simply as another fantasy novel, Loko hopes it contributes to the growing international recognition of African speculative fiction while remaining accessible to readers beyond the continent.

“I don’t want readers to pick up my books simply because they’re African fantasy,” he explained. “I want them to pick them up because they’re exciting adventures with memorable characters. And if those stories also help showcase African creativity to the world, then that’s something I can be incredibly proud of.”

Looking beyond this release, Loko revealed that he has no intention of slowing down. With future novels already taking shape, he hopes to continue writing ambitious speculative fiction stories while encouraging young Nigerian writers to pursue their own creative ambitions.

“I’d love to help nurture the next generation of storytellers,” he said. “There are so many talented young people with incredible imaginations, just like me. If my journey encourages even one of them to believe their stories deserve to be told, then that’s something I’ll most certainly be grateful for.”

As the evening drew to a close, guests queued to have copies of The Bako of Zereshé signed, bringing to an end a launch that celebrated not only the arrival of a new fantasy novel but also the power of storytelling to inspire generosity, imagination and hope.

The Bako of Zereshé is available through http://dexterloko.com and at selected bookstores across Nigeria.