The Deputy Governor of Abia state, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu has said that the society would continue to celebrate individuals who are able to pin their thoughts and experiences into book form that advance societal goals and development.
Speaking during the unveiling of three books, the Infidel, A dance without music and Shadows and other stories, written by Ifeanyi Ude Onwuka, a former aide to the governor held in Umuahia, Sir Oko Chukwu described the art of book writing as an effective transfer of knowledge to others.
He challenged those with the ability of writing not to be deterred by the extraneous task of book writing but be encouraged by the fact that future generation would read them and be influenced by their thoughts thereby put their names in the sands of time.
The deputy governor regretted that the inability of the principal actors in the Nigerian civil war to put their thought on the paper have led to distorted and inadequate knowledge and information about the war, their actions and inactions and recalled that the author started writing books right from his days in the secondary school and commended him for the good work he has done and for inspiring others through his books.
Sir Oko Chukwu appealed to authorities in the educational sector to critically review the books with a view of recommending them for reading at the secondary and tertiary level as to help enhance their knowledge and inspire those with the desire to write.
In his remark, the member representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Mandela Obasi, commended the author of the book for writing books that have much impact on people’s life and stressed the need for him to be emulated and appreciated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu,thanked the deputy governor for providing the platform for the training of the author into becoming what he is today and called on people who have benefited from such training to train others.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Elder Ifeanyi Agbai, Chief Okiyi Kalu rededicated the books to the youth of the state who would want to be like the author and pursue a dream in the art of book writing.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman on the occasion and Transition Committee chairman, Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief Mba Ukaha ,commended the author of the book for his doggedness in writing the books and extolled the good deed he has done by leaving a legacy in the sands of time as he will be remembered by it and urged all to support this laudable project.
In their separate speeches, The Traditional ruler of Agbala Autonomous community, Eze Agwu Nwankwo and Former SSA to governor on grassroots, Elder Uja Ndukwe,lauded the author for choosing a worthy way of fending for himself rather than taking the short or fast lane prevalent among youths in the country.
They called on others to emulate the author and
prayed that the books would yield the desire benefits for him
Reviewing the books, the Chairman, state Board of Internal Revenue, Elder Udochukwu Ogbonna and a lecturer with Osun state Polythenic, Mr Egbuta Otu, commended the efforts of the writer in capturing some of the events written in the books in an easy language and recommended the books for anyone.
In his response, the author, Mr Ifeanyi Ude Onwukah said that many things happening in Nigeria motivated him to write the stories both political and socio economic angle.
He advised other youths to confront their challenges and turn their challenges into a stepping stone to greater exploits.
The author thanked the deputy for his support and for gracing the event; Hon Mandela Obasi and others for their support ,as well as those who contributed to the success of the book launch.
By Charles Ogbonnaya.
