Nine Lives tells the story of "Olupitan Ogunrinu," a bright, ambitious son of a common Nigerian fisherman who battles to assert himself within the social segregation of an elite university community. As he struggles with the moral contradiction, corruption and frivolity around him, he resolves not be a victim in the predatory race to success, even when the immediate battle to "belong" seems lost. A wild pursuit of romance turns to deceit, as Olupitan finds escape in America. But he also finds squalor, loss of dignity and, eventually, illicit wealth. NINE LIVES explores the trial of ordinary Nigerian youths and the despair that drives them across the borders...and beyond. It captures the historical culture of the Nigerian people and the new culture as evolved through decades of social hardship, corruption and misrule.