For the past few months, I have dreamt, planned, and begun building ArtisansQuill. Of all the roles, being a literary prospector, like a baba n bola of words, was the most thrilling.

I wasn’t searching for trash. I was scouting for tired or busy wordsmiths and the treasures they carry. And what a joy it has been. What treasures I have found!

When I chose the theme, “Once Upon Three Roads,” I knew Prof. Mark Nwagwu had something timeless to offer. He responded with a gem. 🙏🏾

As I curated the works for this first issue, I found myself drawn to the sun so much. I took picture after picture of the sun, like one who had been in solitary for so long now beholding light as a symbol of mercy, rebirth, and possibilities.
I have enjoyed a lot of goodwill from my very gifted and selected contributors. And now, I enjoy immense outpouring of goodwill from friends, delightful readers of ArtisansQuill. My heart is warmed just as if the sun shines on it from the perfect angle. And now, I know why the sun is a fitting image for this season.

I am immensely grateful to all our brilliant contributors without whom this simply wouldn’t have happened:

• Aanuoluwapo John Adeshina
• Tares Oburumu
• Professor Mark Nwagwu
• Olobo Ejile
• Valentine Chimenem Owhorodu
• SeunAdeleke
• Ndubuisi Martins
• Oluyemisi A. Adedokun-Oladejo
• Fisayomi Ogungbe Oni
• Blessing Adedokun-Awojodu
• Kolade Kabir Olawale Àdèlé
• Olalekan Adepoju D’great
• Abdulbasit Yusuff
• Adeniran Abdbasit
• Umar Farouk
• Uyemhi Etokhe

My heart sings with gratitude. 💜 I am grateful. The submissions surpassed my expectations in every way. Tell you what, when I almost chickened out, that you all trusted me with your brilliant output meant that I had a lot to live up to. Thank you very much.

Dear prospector, thank you for being here. Please, stay. Please.

Funmi Gaji

Founding Editor,

ArtisansQuill

Image Credit: Funmi Gaji