'African romance stories are grossly underreported’
For Ogugua Ajayi, wordsmith, author, scriptwriter, media entrepreneur and more, some dreams certainly come true. This holds true for Ogugua, whose childhood pastime: reading and love for books, have today
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For Ogugua Ajayi, wordsmith, author, scriptwriter, media entrepreneur and more, some dreams certainly come true. This holds true for Ogugua, whose childhood pastime: reading and love for books, have today become her livewire in a manner of speaking. The Founder and CEO of Love Legacy Media, an integrated media company dedicated to elevating African romance storytelling across print and digital platforms, her latest novel, Love on a Dotted Line, recently acquired by Narrative Landscape Press, she continues to gain recognition for her ability to tell compelling, relatable stories. We sat down with her to talk about her journey into writing, her vision for Love Legacy Media, and what it means to be a female African storyteller today. She spoke with a cross-section of journalists recently. Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf was there. Excerpts:
Tell us about your journey into writing and storytelling?
As a child, I loved reading, and I quickly realised that books could take you anywhere, into entirely different worlds, lives, and experiences far beyond your immediate reality. I found myself completely immersed in the characters and their journeys, almost as though I was living those moments with them. That sense of discovery stayed with me. Over time, writing became more than just something I enjoyed; it became a way for me to express myself, to process and understand emotions, and to tell stories that feel authentic, relatable, and deeply human.
As an author, scriptwriter and media entrepreneur, how do you navigate these roles?
For me, it is all about storytelling, just in different forms. Writing books allows me to go deep into characters and emotions, while scriptwriting brings those stories to life visually. Then, as a business, I am thinking about how those stories are produced and shared with people. It all connects; it is really one big ecosystem.
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What inspired you to start Love Legacy Media?
I wanted to be intentional about the kind of stories I was telling and how they were being told. I felt like African romance stories weren't getting the attention or depth they deserved, so I thought, why not build something that focuses on that? Love Legacy Media is really about creating a home for those stories.
What informed the whole idea of African romance storytelling?
Because it is so relatable and yet so underexplored in our context. Love is universal, but the way we experience it as Africans, our culture, our values, our realities, is unique. I wanted to tell those stories in a way that feels authentic, not generic. It's about showing the beauty and complexity of love from our perspective.
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Your novel Love on a Dotted Line was recently acquired by Narrative Landscape Press. How did that feel?
It felt really rewarding. As a writer, you put so much of yourself into your work, so having a respected publisher believe in it is a big moment. It's also encouraging because it shows that there's growing interest in the kinds of stories we're telling.
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As a female African writer, what has your experience been like?
It's been a mix of challenges and opportunities. There are expectations, sometimes subtle, sometimes not, about what you should write or how you should show up. But I've learned to lean into my own voice instead. Being a female African writer means I get to tell stories that are honest, layered, and reflective of real experiences.
Your work explores relationships and emotional depth. What draws you to these themes?
I think it is because relationships are such a big part of our lives. They shape us in so many ways, how we love, how we heal, how we grow. I am really interested in those moments of change, especially things like forgiveness, second chances, and personal transformation. Those are the stories that stay with people.
How do you approach storytelling differently in books versus film?
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With books, you can really get into a character's mind, you can explore their thoughts in detail. Film is different because you have to show those emotions visually or through dialogue. It's more about what the audience can see and feel in the moment. I enjoy both, but they definitely require different approaches.
What's your long-term vision for Love Legacy Media?
I would love for it to become a global platform for African storytelling, especially in the romance space. The goal is to create stories that travel, stories that people anywhere in the world can connect with. Ultimately, I want Love Legacy Media to be known for quality, authenticity, and emotional impact.
What would you say to young African women who want to become writers?
I would say—start. Don't overthink it, don't wait for everything to be perfect. Just start writing. Your voice is valid, and your stories matter. Also, be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, but if you stay consistent and committed, it will come together.
