Welcome to FreshNote, your trusted educational resource. Recently, we discussed 50 literary devices that create the beauty of literature. Today, we are looking at one of the most admirable Nigerian book "Warri Nor Dey Carry Last" by Idede Oseyande. We'll give you an exam focus analysis exploring the themes, plots, settings and how to answer questions on this novel.
Here we go!
Background and Context
Warri Nor Dey Carry Last looks at Nigeria in 2019 where the moral compass seems broken. Young people celebrate quick money over hard work. Internet scams (yahoo-yahoo) have become so normal that honest tech workers now get profiled as criminals by police. The novel asks a simple question: When did being "sharp" start meaning cheating others instead of being genuinely smart?
The title comes from Warri street language. "Warri nor dey carry last" means people from Warri don't come last—they can't be outsmarted. But Oseyande flips this. He shows that thinking you're outsmarting everyone might just be the most foolish thing of all.
Plot Summary: How It All Starts
Okiemute Oghenekokwo graduates from Delta State University, Abraka with a degree in Physics Education. But teaching isn't what he wants. While in school, he takes extra computer lessons and builds software that catches the eye of Furlong Technologies, a big IT company in Lagos.
They invite him for an interview. He travels from Warri and stays with his childhood friend Bola. On the bus, the conductor needs to give change. Okiemute pairs with an old man, Pa Uzor, who hands over N500. When the conductor gives back N250, Okiemute just disappears with the full change. His thinking? These Lagos people can't play me. Warri nor dey carry last.
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Landing the Job
The interview is tough. Mr. Agbaje Dakuku fires questions that nearly shake Okiemute's confidence. But he makes it. Furlong Technologies buys his software and employs him. First payment? N5 million.
Okiemute moves into staff quarters at Feriyan Estate in Lekki Phase 2. He shares the place with Bayo (from Southwest) and Ken (from Southeast). The three of them share one official car.
With that money, things change fast for his family. He completes his late father's house in Warri. His mother can breathe easy. His sister Ufuoma can continue school. Even his elder brother Okpako—who got the same girl pregnant twice and now works as a welder's assistant—gets some support.
The Company Rules
Furlong Technologies has one strict policy that causes wahala: no dating between workers. If two workers want to marry, one has to resign first. Mr. Clay Whyte, the MD, built this rule into the company's foundation. He thinks workplace romance kills productivity.
But love doesn't care about company policy. Okiemute falls for Sandra, the company secretary. She's fine, smart, and takes her work seriously. At the same time, Bola starts dating Beatrice (who also works in a school with similar rules).
So what does Okiemute do? He creates a secret communication app for the two couples to keep their relationships hidden. The irony is thick—using his tech genius both to do legitimate work and to break rules.
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Police Wahala
One night, the three roommates go out. At a checkpoint, police stop them.
"Wetin una dey do?"
"We work in IT."
That's all the police need to hear. "Yahoo boys! Follow us to station!"
No evidence. No crime. Just three young men who work with computers getting dragged to the station on suspicion of planning to scam people or kidnap someone. This is Nigeria. You can be arrested for having skills.
They eventually get released, but the experience shakes them. You work hard, get legitimate job, and police still treat you like criminal.
The Housemaster's Lies
At Feriyan Estate, one man called Housemaster (real name Pyole Johnson) manages the quarters. He speaks good English despite stopping at secondary school. One day he tells Okiemute a sad story—his mother lost her legs in an accident and needs help for treatment.
Okiemute's heart melts. He starts sending Housemaster monthly money to help the woman. This continues for some time.
Later, the truth comes out. The man's mother died years ago. The whole story was packaging to collect money. When exposed, Housemaster has to return every kobo.
Mama's Death and the Burial
Okiemute's mother dies after family dispute. The burial becomes a turning point for many things.
Sandra travels to Warri for the ceremony. It's her first time seeing where Okiemute comes from. During that trip, they sleep together. Some weeks later, Sandra discovers she's pregnant.
Also during the burial, Housemaster's lies get exposed. Okiemute's conscience starts disturbing him seriously about Pa Uzor's money. His friend Oghare (who helped complete his father's house) gets arrested by police on fake charges—another example of how the system works.
Confession and Moving Forward
The guilt of stealing Pa Uzor's change won't let Okiemute rest. Through Pa Uzor's daughter Chinyere, he finally meets the old man to confess and apologize.
Pa Uzor forgives him. He's just happy Okiemute has realized his mistake and is even advising others now.
Meanwhile, Beatrice leaves her job so she can marry Bola properly. Sandra and Okiemute keep hiding the pregnancy from the company. By the end, Okiemute has learned that being smart isn't about outsmarting people—it's about building real things and living with integrity.
Major Characters
Okiemute Oghenekokwo - 28 years old, from Warri. Smart and talented but starts with the wrong mindset of "Warri nor dey carry last." His journey from thinking theft is cleverness to understanding real integrity is the heart of the story.
Bola - Okiemute's childhood friend who works in a private Lagos school. He's the voice of reason, always warning Okiemute when he's about to make bad choices. Good friends like this can save your life.
Sandra - Secretary at Furlong Technologies. Beautiful and professional, but love makes her break company rules. Gets pregnant for Okiemute, which raises the stakes for both of them.
Bayo and Ken - Okiemute's roommates. Bayo is thin, from Southwest. Ken is from Southeast. Together with Okiemute (South-South), they show that Nigerian youth from different places can work together. All three suffer police profiling together.
Housemaster (Pyole Johnson) - Speaks fine English but uses it to deceive. His fake story about his sick mother shows that education and eloquence don't equal character.
Pa Uzor - The old man whose change Okiemute steals. His forgiveness at the end shows grace. Some people can still choose mercy over bitterness.
Mr. Clay Whyte - MD of Furlong Technologies. Big man with British accent, dark skin, red lips. He built the company on discipline and strict principles. Not wicked, just very firm about his values.
Mr. Agbaje Dakuku - Director of Research and Innovations. Tough interviewer who later gets posted to head the new Abuja branch as the company expands.
Beatrice - Bola's girlfriend, Prof Essien's niece. Eventually leaves her job to marry Bola, showing one way around the restrictive policies.
Okpako - Okiemute's elder brother. Got same girl pregnant twice. Now works as welder's assistant. Represents those who need help to fix their lives.
Oghare - Okiemute's childhood friend in Warri. Gets arrested falsely by police, which adds to the novel's picture of police wahala.
Idongesit - The cook at Feriyan Estate. She's the one who catches Bola and Beatrice kissing and reports it, thinking Okiemute's friend is cheating with Okiemute's girlfriend. This creates confusion (dramatic irony).
Ufuoma - Okiemute's younger sister who later moves to Lagos after NYSC.
Chinyere - Pa Uzor's daughter who helps arrange the meeting where Okiemute confesses.
Download Warri nor Dey Carry Last by Idede full analysis-pdf
Main Themes in the novel
1. Moral Corruption and Its Consequences
This is the main theme. Small wrongs lead to big problems. Okiemute steals N250 change and his conscience won't let him sleep until he confesses. Housemaster lies for money and gets exposed. The novel says clearly: dishonesty always catches up with you. You can't outrun your conscience or karma.
Nigeria's big corruption problem starts with individuals justifying "small" wrongs. Today it's N250, tomorrow it's millions from government contracts. The mindset is the same.
2. True Intelligence vs Street Sharpness
"Warri nor dey carry last" sounds like confidence, but it's actually foolishness when it means cheating others. Real intelligence is what Mr. Whyte shows—building a successful company through discipline and hard work. Real brilliance is developing software that people want to buy, not stealing someone's change on a bus.
The novel argues that Nigeria celebrates the wrong type of "smartness." We clap for people who cut corners instead of those who create real value.
3. Police Brutality and System Failure
When police hear "we work in IT," they immediately think "yahoo boys." This is the tragedy. Honest young people with skills get treated as criminals while real criminals move freely. Oghare gets arrested on fake charges. The system meant to protect people becomes their oppressor.
This theme hits hard because every Nigerian knows this reality. It's not exaggeration—it's just regular Tuesday in Nigeria.
4. Hard Work and Legitimate Success
Despite everything, the novel celebrates genuine achievement. Okiemute takes extra computer classes while studying Physics. He develops actual software with real value. His success comes from skill, not fraud. When he helps his family, it's from clean money.
The message: Nigeria needs more people building real things, not more people looking for shortcuts.
5. Redemption is Possible
Okiemute confesses and Pa Uzor forgives him. People can change. Mistakes don't define you forever if you're willing to own up and make things right. This gives hope—Nigeria's moral problems aren't permanent if individuals start choosing differently.
6. Friendship Matters
Bola keeps warning Okiemute against bad choices. Oghare helps complete his father's house. Good friends can be the difference between staying on track and going off rails. Who you move with matters.
7. Family Responsibility
When Okiemute succeeds, it's not just about him. He must complete father's house, support mother, help siblings, assist brother. This is African reality—your success carries communal weight. Individual achievement is never truly individual.
8. Workplace Ethics and Love
Furlong's no-dating policy creates tension. Is it necessary discipline or unfair control of personal life? The novel doesn't give easy answers, but it shows how rigid rules push people to find workarounds. Organizations need standards, but where's the line between professional requirements and overreach?
9. Ethnic Pride Gone Wrong
"Warri nor dey carry last" starts as pride but becomes toxic when it means seeing Lagos people as opponents to beat. The novel shows better unity through Okiemute, Bayo, and Ken—three guys from different regions working together. Nigeria needs less tribal competition, more national cooperation.
10. Theme of Realism
The novel shows life as it actually is. No magic solutions. No perfect heroes. Just real people with real problems in real Nigerian settings making real choices. This realism makes the moral lessons hit harder because readers see themselves in the story.
Place and time Setting
Lagos
Population of 20 million. Traffic is hell, especially on Third Mainland Bridge. The city never sleeps and never wakes up early either—always busy. Furlong Technologies is in Lekki Phase 2, highbrow area. Other places mentioned include Yaba Market, Obalende (where CMS bus station is), Ikeja (where Bola lives), and Iyana-Ipaja.
Lagos represents opportunity but also pressure. You can make it big here, but the hustle can also make you compromise your values.
Warri
Slower pace than Lagos. Less crowded. Family compounds, incomplete buildings, strong ethnic identity. People wake up later, move slower. It's home for Okiemute—where his roots are, where his father's house stands.
Warri represents heritage and grounding. But it also represents the street mentality ("Warri nor dey carry last") that Okiemute must outgrow.
Time Period
The novel is set in 2019, contemporary Nigeria. Smartphones, sophisticated tech companies, NYSC program, yahoo-yahoo phenomenon—all current realities. This makes the story immediately relatable to students living through the same period.
Narrative Technique and Style
Point of View
The novel uses third-person narration. We see the story from outside Okiemute's head but stay close to his perspective. Example: "Okiemute could see the disappointment in Sandra's face..."
Sometimes the novel dips into stream of consciousness, showing Okiemute's direct thoughts. This brings readers closer to his internal struggles, especially the guilt over Pa Uzor's money.
Plot Structure
The plot is chronological (events follow time order) but told in episodes (distinct scenes that connect to form the bigger story). Each major event—bus theft, interview, police arrest, burial—works as its own mini-story while building toward the overall arc.
This structure feels natural, like how life actually unfolds. Not one smooth line but a series of connected moments.
Language
Oseyande writes in simple but effective English. No big big grammar that confuses people. The language reflects Nigerian reality:
Pidgin English everywhere:
- "Warri nor dey carry last"
- "Leave matter for Matthias"
- "Wetin una dey do?"
This makes dialogue sound authentic, like how Nigerians actually talk.
Code-switching: Characters move between Standard English (formal settings), Pidgin (casual talk), and local expressions. This is Nigerian life—we don't speak one way all the time.
Proverbs and sayings: Traditional wisdom comes through naturally in conversation, not forced or artificial.
The multicultural and multilingual nature of Nigeria shines through the language choices. This is part of what makes the novel distinctively Nigerian.
Tone
The tone is satirical but hopeful. Oseyande criticizes corruption, police brutality, and moral compromise sharply. But he doesn't give up on Nigeria or Nigerians. Redemption is possible. Change can happen. The satire has teeth, but it's not cynical.
Symbols
The stolen change - Represents all the "small" moral compromises that add up to bigger corruption. It's just N250, but the principle is the same whether you steal N250 or N250 million.
The software - Symbolizes Nigeria's potential. Young people with genuine skills who can build valuable things if given proper opportunity and support.
Company rules - Represent both necessary discipline and rigid systems that push people toward deception. Rules matter, but so does understanding human nature.
"Warri nor dey carry last" - Symbolizes the competitive, tribal mindset that sees life as a contest where you must beat others. The novel challenges this mentality throughout.
Literary Devices
Irony runs throughout. Okiemute steals while claiming he can't be outsmarted, but guilt outsmarts him eventually. Police meant to protect citizens terrorize honest people. Housemaster speaks educated English but uses it for fraud. The whole setup is ironic.
Foreshadowing appears early. Okiemute's petty theft hints at larger moral struggles to come. The strict company rules foreshadow complications when Sandra gets pregnant.
Characterization happens through actions (Okiemute stealing), dialogue (Housemaster's eloquent lies), and internal thoughts (Okiemute's guilty conscience). We understand characters by what they do, say, and think.
Conflict exists at multiple levels:
- Internal: Okiemute vs his conscience
- Interpersonal: Okiemute and Sandra vs company policy
- Social: Honest youth vs corrupt police
- Cultural: "Sharp" street mentality vs principled living
Dramatic irony appears when Idongesit reports seeing Bola and Beatrice kissing. Ken and Bayo think Bola is cheating with Okiemute's girlfriend, but readers know Beatrice is actually Bola's girlfriend, not Okiemute's.
What Students Should Remember for Exams
Plot: Know the journey from bus theft to confession. Remember key events—interview, employment, police arrest, burial, exposure of Housemaster, final confession to Pa Uzor.
Characters: Focus on Okiemute's transformation, Bola's role as moral guide, Sandra's pregnancy complication, Housemaster's deception, Pa Uzor's forgiveness.
Themes: Prioritize moral corruption and consequences, true intelligence vs street sharpness, police brutality, redemption, and realism. These are the big ones.
Setting: Lagos (busy, pressured, modern) vs Warri (slower, traditional, home). Time period is 2019, contemporary Nigeria.
Style: Third-person narration, episodic structure, use of Pidgin and code-switching, satirical but hopeful tone.
Social Commentary: The novel critiques corruption at every level—individual (Okiemute, Housemaster), institutional (police), and cultural (celebration of "sharpness" over integrity). But it also offers hope through redemption and genuine achievement.
Why This Novel Matters
Warri Nor Dey Carry Last works because it tells Nigerian youth: your struggles are real, your challenges matter, but shortcuts aren't the answer. The novel doesn't preach from above. Okiemute isn't perfect—he makes the same mistakes many people make. But he learns.
The book says clearly: Nigeria's problems won't end through yahoo-yahoo, through stealing change, through ethnic competition, or through celebrating people who "beat the system." Real progress needs real work, real integrity, real skills building real value.
For students, this novel validates your experience. You know police wahala is real. You know the pressure to succeed by any means. You know "Warri nor dey carry last" mentality exists everywhere, not just Warri. The novel puts your reality in print and says: there's a better way forward.
That's the ultimate message. You can be smart without being a scammer. You can succeed without cutting corners. You can have ethnic pride without tribal competition. You can make mistakes and still find redemption. Nigeria can change if enough individuals choose differently.
And that's worth understanding, whether for JAMB, JUPEB, WAEC, or just for life.
Possible exam questions from the novel worry nor dey Carry last.
Discuss the theme of realism in Warri Nor Dey Carry Last.
How to Approach This:
Introduction:
- Define realism (representing life as it actually is, without romanticizing)
- State that Warri Nor Dey Carry Last is deeply realistic in its portrayal of Nigerian life
- Mention that realism is both a technique and a theme in the novel
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 - Realistic Characters:
- Okiemute is not a perfect hero or pure villain—he's complex like real people
- He's intelligent and hardworking but also capable of theft
- He has good intentions (supporting family) but makes poor moral choices
- His transformation happens gradually, not overnight
- Other characters are equally realistic: Housemaster speaks good English but deceives; Sandra is professional but breaks company rules for love
- Effect: Readers see themselves in these flawed, complex characters
Paragraph 2 - Authentic Settings and Social Issues:
- Lagos is accurately described: terrible traffic on Third Mainland Bridge, crowded buses, Lekki estates
- Warri is presented realistically: slower pace, family compounds, incomplete buildings
- Real contemporary issues: yahoo-yahoo phenomenon, police profiling young tech workers as criminals
- Okiemute, Bayo, and Ken arrested simply for saying "we work in IT"
- Oghare arrested on false charges
- These aren't exaggerated—they reflect actual Nigerian experiences in 2019
Paragraph 3 - True-to-Life Language:
- Heavy use of Pidgin English: "Warri nor dey carry last," "Wetin una dey do?"
- Code-switching between Standard English and Pidgin reflects how Nigerians actually communicate
- No artificial, overly formal dialogue
- Proverbs and local expressions integrated naturally
- Effect: Dialogue sounds authentic, not like textbook English
Paragraph 4 - Plausible Plot and Events:
- No supernatural elements or miraculous solutions
- Events follow cause and effect: hard work leads to success, lies eventually get exposed, guilt leads to confession
- Okiemute's career path is believable: develops software → company interested → interview → employment
- Problems don't get solved by magic—they resolve through human actions
- Even the moral transformation feels gradual and realistic
Paragraph 5 - Why Realism Matters in This Novel:
- Makes social critique more powerful—readers can't dismiss it as fantasy
- When readers recognize their own reality, the moral lessons hit harder
- Validates ordinary Nigerian experiences as worthy of literature
- Documents contemporary Nigerian life for future generations
- Shows that change is possible within real constraints, not just fairy tale conditions
Conclusion:
- Realism is central to the novel's effectiveness
- By showing Nigerian life as it actually is—with all its contradictions, struggles, and moral complexities—Oseyande creates powerful social commentary
- The novel argues that you can't fix problems you don't honestly acknowledge
- Realism forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering realistic hope through Okiemute's transformation
2. Discuss three narrative techniques used in Warri Nor Dey Carry Last (JUPEB past questions 2024)
How to Approach This:
Introduction:
- Define narrative technique (the methods an author uses to tell a story)
- State that Oseyande employs several effective techniques
- Mention the three you'll discuss: point of view, episodic plot structure, and use of language/dialogue
Body Section:
First Technique: Third-Person Narrative Point of View
Explanation:
- The novel uses third-person narration (an outside narrator tells the story)
- The narrator refers to characters as "he," "she," "Okiemute," "Sandra" (not "I")
- Example: "Okiemute could see the disappointment in Sandra's face as the students made such statements"
- The narration stays close to Okiemute's perspective while maintaining some distance
How It Works in the Novel:
- We see events primarily through Okiemute's experience but from an outside observer's position
- The narrator can show us Okiemute's thoughts and feelings while also showing how others perceive him
- Sometimes uses stream of consciousness to dive into Okiemute's internal struggles
- Example: His guilty conscience about Pa Uzor's money is revealed through internal thoughts
Effect and Significance:
- Allows readers to understand Okiemute's motivations while maintaining objectivity
- Creates empathy for the character without losing critical distance
- Lets the narrator comment on actions and show consequences that Okiemute himself might not see
- Makes the moral lessons more effective because we see both inside and outside the character
Second Technique: Episodic Plot Structure
Explanation:
- The novel follows a chronological timeline (events happen in time order)
- But it's structured in episodes—distinct scenes that work as mini-stories while connecting to the larger narrative
- Each major event stands somewhat independently: the bus theft, the interview, moving to Feriyan Estate, the police arrest, the burial, the confession
How It Works in the Novel:
- The bus theft episode introduces Okiemute's "Warri nor dey carry last" mentality
- The interview episode shows his talent and determination
- The police arrest episode critiques institutional corruption
- The burial episode brings multiple storylines together (Sandra's visit, Housemaster's exposure, conscience awakening)
- Each episode has its own tension and resolution while building toward overall character transformation
Effect and Significance:
- Mirrors how life actually unfolds—not as one smooth story but as connected moments
- Makes the novel easy to follow and remember for exams (you can recall distinct scenes)
- Each episode reinforces different themes: corruption, police brutality, redemption, family responsibility
- Creates rhythm and prevents monotony—the story keeps moving through different situations
- Allows the author to explore multiple aspects of Nigerian society through different scenarios
Third Technique: Realistic Use of Language and Dialogue
Explanation:
- The novel heavily incorporates Pidgin English alongside Standard English
- Characters code-switch (move between different language registers) depending on context
- Dialogue reflects how Nigerians actually speak, not formal textbook English
- Proverbs and local expressions appear naturally
How It Works in the Novel:
- Pidgin in informal settings: "Warri nor dey carry last," "Leave matter for Matthias," "Wetin una dey do?"
- Standard English in professional contexts: interviews at Furlong Technologies, formal meetings
- Characters like Housemaster speak good English but this doesn't make them trustworthy
- The title itself is in Pidgin, setting the tone immediately
Examples:
- When police stop the young men: "Wetin una dey do?" "We work in IT." "Yahoo boys!"
- Okiemute's internal motto: "Warri nor dey carry last"
- Mix of English and Pidgin reflects Nigeria's multilingual reality
Effect and Significance:
- Creates authenticity—characters sound like real Nigerians, not artificial constructs
- Validates Nigerian linguistic reality as worthy of literature
- Makes the story accessible to Nigerian readers who recognize their own speech patterns
- Different language registers show class, education, and context without explicit explanation
- Strengthens the realism of the entire narrative
Conclusion:
- These three techniques work together to create an effective narrative
- Third-person narration provides the right balance of intimacy and distance
- Episodic structure makes the story engaging while exploring multiple themes
- Realistic language grounds everything in authentic Nigerian experience
- Together, these techniques serve Oseyande's purpose: to critique contemporary Nigerian society while offering hope for redemption and transformation
- The techniques make the moral lessons more powerful because they present the story in ways that feel real and relatable
3 "Okiemute Oghenekokwo is not a villain but a flawed hero." Discuss this statement with reference to Warri Nor Dey Carry Last.
How to Approach This:
Introduction:
- Define what makes a hero vs a villain
- State that Okiemute has both positive and negative qualities
- Mention that his journey is about moral growth
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 - His Positive Qualities:
- Intelligent and talented (developed valuable software)
- Hardworking (took extra computer classes while studying Physics)
- Caring toward family (completed father's house, supported mother and siblings)
- Ambitious with legitimate goals (wanted to succeed through tech, not fraud)
Paragraph 2 - His Flaws:
- Stole Pa Uzor's change on the bus
- Operated with "Warri nor dey carry last" mentality
- Created app to break company policy on relationships
- Initially justified wrong actions as being "smart"
Paragraph 3 - What Makes Him a Hero:
- His conscience troubled him throughout
- He eventually confessed to Pa Uzor and sought forgiveness
- He learned from his mistakes and transformed
- Unlike real villains (who feel no guilt), he struggled with right and wrong
Paragraph 4 - The Significance:
- This complexity makes him realistic and relatable
- Shows that good people can make bad choices
- Demonstrates that redemption is possible
- Reflects the moral struggles many Nigerian youth face
Conclusion:
- Summarize that Okiemute is indeed a flawed hero
- His flaws make him human, his growth makes him heroic
- The novel uses his journey to show that mistakes don't define us permanently
4. Discuss the theme of moral corruption and its consequences in Warri Nor Dey Carry Last.
How to Approach This:
Introduction:
- Define moral corruption (dishonesty, cutting corners, justifying wrong actions)
- State that this is the central theme of the novel
- Mention that Oseyande shows both individual and institutional corruption
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 - Individual Corruption (Okiemute):
- Steals Pa Uzor's N250 change
- Justifies it with "Warri nor dey carry last" philosophy
- Creates app to deceive company about relationships
- Consequence: Guilt haunts him until he confesses
- Shows that conscience is an internal consequence even when external punishment is absent
Paragraph 2 - Individual Corruption (Housemaster):
- Lies about sick mother to extract money from Okiemute
- Uses eloquent English to make deception believable
- Consequence: Eventually exposed and forced to refund all money
- Shows that lies always come to light eventually
Paragraph 3 - Institutional Corruption (Police):
- Profile innocent young people as "yahoo boys"
- Arrest without evidence, expecting bribes
- Oghare arrested on fake charges
- Consequence: Citizens lose trust in law enforcement, society becomes unstable
- Shows how institutional corruption affects everyone
Paragraph 4 - The Broader Message:
- "Small" corruption leads to larger problems
- Today it's N250, tomorrow it's millions
- Nigeria's problems stem from individuals justifying dishonesty
- Only through choosing integrity can society transform
Conclusion:
- Summarize that corruption at all levels carries consequences
- Whether guilt, exposure, or societal breakdown, wrongdoing catches up
- The novel calls for moral reformation starting with individuals
5. Examine the significance of the two major settings (Lagos and Warri) in Warri Nor Dey Carry Last.
How to Approach This:
Introduction:
- State that the novel is set primarily in Lagos and Warri
- Mention that these settings are not just backdrops but meaningful to the story
- Note the time period (2019, contemporary Nigeria)
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 - Lagos as Setting:
- Described as crowded, busy, with terrible traffic
- Never sleeps, always hustling
- Lekki Phase 2 (where Furlong is) represents modern, highbrow Nigeria
- Other areas (Yaba, Obalende) show working-class Lagos
- Significance: Represents opportunity but also pressure to succeed by any means
Paragraph 2 - Warri as Setting:
- Slower pace, less crowded than Lagos
- Family compounds, incomplete buildings
- Strong ethnic identity and pride
- Significance: Represents home, roots, tradition
- Also represents the "Warri nor dey carry last" mentality Okiemute must outgrow
Paragraph 3 - The Contrast Between Both Settings:
- Lagos = modern, fast, cosmopolitan, stressful
- Warri = traditional, slower, familiar, grounding
- Okiemute must navigate both worlds
- The tension between them reflects larger Nigerian tensions (tradition vs modernity, ethnic identity vs national unity)
Paragraph 4 - Contemporary Nigeria (2019):
- Yahoo-yahoo phenomenon at its peak
- Tech sector growing with companies like Furlong
- Police profiling young people
- NYSC program, sophisticated technology
- Significance: Makes the story immediately relatable to readers living through same realities
Conclusion:
- Settings are carefully chosen to reflect themes
- Lagos and Warri together represent the complexity of Nigerian identity
- The contemporary timeframe grounds the social commentary in current realities
6. "Warri Nor Dey Carry Last is a sharp critique of contemporary Nigerian society." Discuss.
How to Approach This:
Introduction:
- State that the novel goes beyond entertainment to offer social commentary
- Mention the major social issues addressed
- Note that Oseyande uses Okiemute's story to critique larger problems
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 - Critique of the "Yahoo-Yahoo" Mentality:
- Internet fraud has become normalized
- Society celebrates wealth without questioning its source
- "Warri nor dey carry last" represents the competitive, shortcut mentality
- Okiemute's theft shows how this mindset justifies dishonesty
- Novel argues that real intelligence is building value, not scamming others
Paragraph 2 - Critique of Police Brutality:
- Honest young tech workers profiled as criminals
- Police arrest without evidence, expect bribes
- Oghare's false arrest shows arbitrary power
- Novel exposes how law enforcement has become predatory
- When police terrorize citizens, society loses moral foundation
Paragraph 3 - Critique of Institutional Corruption:
- Corruption exists at individual level (Okiemute, Housemaster)
- At institutional level (police)
- At cultural level (celebration of "sharpness")
- Novel shows how "small" wrongs lead to larger societal problems
- Housemaster's eloquent lies show that education doesn't equal integrity
Paragraph 4 - Critique of Ethnic Competition:
- "Warri nor dey carry last" reflects tribal one-upmanship
- Seeing other Nigerians as opponents to beat
- Novel offers alternative through Okiemute, Bayo, Ken's friendship
- Shows that national unity is possible across ethnic lines
- Critiques how ethnic pride becomes toxic when it breeds competition
Paragraph 5 - But Also Offers Hope:
- Despite sharp critique, novel shows redemption is possible
- Okiemute confesses and transforms
- Legitimate success through Furlong Technologies exists
- Pa Uzor's forgiveness shows grace still exists
- Message: Nigeria can change if individuals choose differently
Conclusion:
- The novel is indeed sharp social commentary
- It critiques corruption, police brutality, yahoo-yahoo culture, and ethnic tensions
- But it's not cynical—it offers hope through redemption and genuine achievement
- Oseyande calls for moral reformation starting with individual choices
Tips To Answering Any Question on This Novel:
Always provide specific examples from the text (quote or reference specific scenes)
Connect to themes - Most questions ultimately relate to the novel's major themes
Show understanding of context - Mention that it's set in 2019 Nigeria, reflect on social realities
Use proper paragraph structure - Introduction, body paragraphs (each with one main point), conclusion
Balance criticism with analysis - Don't just summarize, explain significance
Reference character development - Especially Okiemute's transformation from "Warri nor dey carry last" to genuine integrity
Mention the author's purpose - Oseyande wants to critique corruption and call for moral reformation
Use literary terms appropriately - Third-person narration, realism, satire, irony, symbolism, episodic structure, etc.
Keep language simple and clear - Don't try to sound overly formal; write naturally
Conclude strongly - Always tie back to the question and summarize your main argument
Always provide specific examples from the text (quote or reference specific scenes)
Connect to themes - Most questions ultimately relate to the novel's major themes
Show understanding of context - Mention that it's set in 2019 Nigeria, reflect on social realities
Use proper paragraph structure - Introduction, body paragraphs (each with one main point), conclusion
Balance criticism with analysis - Don't just summarize, explain significance
Reference character development - Especially Okiemute's transformation from "Warri nor dey carry last" to genuine integrity
Mention the author's purpose - Oseyande wants to critique corruption and call for moral reformation
Use literary terms appropriately - Third-person narration, realism, satire, irony, symbolism, episodic structure, etc.
Keep language simple and clear - Don't try to sound overly formal; write naturally
Conclude strongly - Always tie back to the question and summarize your main argument
FreshNote wish you well in your exam♥️