Special thanks to:
~ Kirsty Dunseath, my editor, for giving me a wonderful home.
~ Daniel Lazar a.k.a. Master, my literary agent of inestimable value. Charming, long-suffering, conscientious, filled with remarkable wisdom.
~ Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, my trailblazing Nigerian publisher, for believing in me from the very beginning.
~ Brenda Copeland, my US editor, for the endless tutoring and enthusiasm.
~ My friends, both old and new. I’m convinced that no one in the universe has a circle more amazing. I started mentioning your names but it went on for two whole pages, and yet, I was not finished!
~ Uluobi Andrea, for making sure that my bank account never ran dry.
~ Uncle Sunmi Smart-Cole, for those beautiful ‘awoof ’ photographs.
~ Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, for constantly telling me that I was making the whole family proud.
~ Fred Ukachi Onuobia, for the unflinchingly high expectations.
~ Aunty Mary Ibe, for taking care of me.
~ Professor Adigun Agbaje, for all the intellectual advice.
~ Eyo Ekpo, my veritable ‘Encyclopaedia Africana’.
~ Gilda O’Neil, for that dramatic boost.
~ L. M. Stephenson Jr, for the great suggestion which I initially found amusing.
~ My 419 sources and acquaintances, for kindly or inadvertently allowing me a peep into your surreal world.
~ Magnus, Uwasinachi Dave and Ekwueme, for being part of us.
~ My life coach and my mentors, for teaching me that, truly, anything is possible.
~ The One who put the talent in my hands and blessed me with the mimshach.