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From direct provision to published author - Melatu Uche Okorie’s story

As Dublin celebrates its 15th anniversary as UNESCO City of Literature, an Irish-Nigerian writer...

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15.21 31 Oct 2025


From direct provision to published author - Melatu Uche Okorie’s story


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15.21 31 Oct 2025


As Dublin celebrates its 15th anniversary as UNESCO City of Literature, an Irish-Nigerian writer reflects on her journey from direct provision to a successful career in the arts.

Melatu Uche Okorie is the award-winning author of ‘This Hostel Life’, a short story collection outlining her experience in the direct provision system.

She moved here from Nigeria in 2006 and spent eight and half years in a centre with her infant daughter.

She has since been shortlisted for the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year award at the Irish Book Awards, and her collection has even been adapted into an operatic work by the Irish National Opera.

Melatu joins Seán to share her story…


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