Adeola Akinremi, Former THISDAY Editor, Unveils Debut Poetry Book, 'Scattered Ground'

Adeola Akinremi, the former Features Editor of THISDAY, has officially released his debut poetry collection, 'Scattered Ground,' marking his entrance into the literary world.

The collection, which became available in March 2026, draws from Akinremi's extensive background as a journalist, public policy specialist, and consultant in international development, weaving together topics such as climate change, displacement, conflict, governance and personal reflections.

Having held positions such as Features Editor and U.S. Correspondent at THISDAY, Akinremi is well-known for his investigative journalism and insightful commentary on significant national and international matters.

He has garnered multiple accolades, including the Nigeria Media Merit Award for Newspaper Reporter of the Year and Features Writer of the Year, along with the prestigious Diamond Award for Media Excellence.

His work in journalism gained international recognition when he uncovered a speech plagiarism incident involving former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2016, a revelation that evoked widespread reactions and prompted an official apology from Nigeria's presidency.

According to Akinremi, the poems contained in 'Scattered Ground' were inspired by years of reporting on conflicts, climate challenges, and political turmoil worldwide.

The collection delves into the concept of 'scattered ground' as a metaphor for displacement, fragmented identities, and the quest for a sense of belonging in an ever-evolving landscape.

In his own words, Akinremi stated that journalism revealed the world as it is, public policy facilitated his involvement in government decisions impacting lives, and poetry represents the emotional depth underlying events. He described the book as an endeavor to express "the grief behind the dateline, the hope beneath the headline."

He attributes his literary inspiration to renowned authors like T. S. Eliot, known for works such as The Waste Land, which helped shape modernist poetry, and the esteemed Nigerian writer J. P. Clark-Bekederemo, author of Casualties.

Akinremi noted that these influential figures have guided his efforts to meld global issues with uniquely African experiences.

This publication positions Akinremi within a tradition of editors and journalists who have transitioned into poetry, including notable figures such as British critic Clive James, American poet Harriet Monroe, and U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove.

Currently advising for the World Bank Group and operating Kubadily Consulting, Akinremi holds a master's degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, along with another from the University of Ibadan. He is also pursuing his doctoral research.

"Review copies of Scattered Ground can be requested, and the author is available for interviews with media outlets across Nigeria, the UK, and the USA," the statement concluded.