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.