By Nwaorgu Faustinus
The chairman, correspondent chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Imo State council, Mr Attan Agbkwuru has called on the public to imbibe the culture of reading and giving books as a gift.
Mr Attan made the call at the launch of two literary works –‘ Ome Ihe Jide Ofor Afo and Anthology of African Poetry’ authored and edited by Steven Abara Obinna, the convener of the event who is a Nigerian Playwright, Novelist and Poet based in Canada.
Continuing, he noted that people hardly give books as a gift again, and advised that to encourage reading, ‘we must develop the habit of giving book as gift, and not money all the time.
He commended the author of the books for distinguishing himself by writing the books and urged others who have the flair for writing to borrow a life from what Mr Stephen has done, and observed the Indian proverb which says, if you want to live forever ‘plant a tree, have children or write a book. “What Stephen has done is a serious encouragement, challenge and we must be courageous enough to accept it”, Mr Attan stated.
Dr. Dan Chima Amadi, a senior lecture at Federal University Owerri in his review of the play said: “The play is about the tragedy of an Igbo girl, Chinwem who in desperate bid to win a husband and acquire a matrimonial home accuse falsely a maternal niece Obika of raping and impregnating her for a deed committed by fifty year old sleek and crafty Odenga, a palm wine taper.”
According to Dr Dan, “what make the play memorable are the socio-political issues it addresses. In an age of mass insincerity, the playwright must be commended for refreshing our memory and warning us of the evil of fighting “a war of blame” as Chinua Achebe puts it.
“It is also a signal for those aspiring to lead in all levels of government to consider and turn a new leaf. The badge that gives Nigeria a bad name must be put away. Since it is a play first published in Canada, the playwright is standing up as the county’s ambassador. Stephen Abara is all for universal truth and justice as that is what the play aspires to change and sustain,” Dan declared.
Mr Alexander Abara in his vote of thanks on behalf of the convener of the event, thanked all for honouring the invitation extended to them. “We are grateful, for it is not easy to find out time to come. I pray God to grant you all safe journey to your various destinations.”
Other side attractions at the book launch organized recently include recitation of selected poems by the Playwright, other poets as well as a dramatic dance to sound track of the play.
