By Deborah UZOMA.
Last Saturday, in the heart of Owerri Metropolis , people from all walks of life gathered to grace the public presentation of Mr. Chidozie Chukwubuike’s two books of poetry “Jangolova &other poems and Wriggling To Freedom (A Decuplet in verse)” at the Hall of Whelan Research Academy.
Mr Chidozie is a poet , dramatic and novelist and one time Chairman of Association of Nigerian, Authors, Imo state Chapter.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ocassion Hon. Ike C. Ibe ably represented by Barrister Livinus I. Okeke, remarked that reading maketh the man while writing maketh the real Man. Hon. Ibe stated that reading culture should be a habit for every Nigerian. He urged that Federal Government should include tribal histories to their History curriculum in all educational institutions.
Hon. Ibe eulogized Mr. Chukwubuike for his great strides in writing while encouraging everyone to read the books and be inspired to write one.
In his address, the National President of ANA, Camillus Ukah took the audience to memory lane of his paths and a beautiful walks with the author. Mr Ukah who also wrote a forward in one of the books wished the author the best in his writing career and promised to take some copies of the books to donate for the Association ongoing National reading awareness which he stated that the reading campaign is targeted at re-invigorating reading culture amongst school children .
In his words of appreciation, the author, Chidozie Chukwubuike expressed his gratitude to Almighty God and everyone who graced the books presentation.
He disclosed that the present situation of the society inspired him to write the books and to encourage good leadership. In a very special way, the writer acknowledged the efforts of the National president of ANA, the planning Committe, royal fathers and everyone who has and is supporting him by their presence and funds.
In his review of ‘Jangolova’ , Chukwuebuka Johnbosco Abara said that the collection of poem presents to the reader an artistic and stylistic defamilization of swing popular among children and young adult ; and that it is reminiscent of a voyage through oddities and fecilities.
Mr. Abara who is a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors , Imo State chapter also doubles as the chapter’s Secretary disclosed that the title ‘Jangolova’ serves as a symbol of a boy’s life swinging to and fro. He added that the more the velocity of the Jangolova increases in ferrying, the more the boy’s fears fritters away and the more confidant he becomes.
Reviewing the second book “Wriggling to Freedom” is Chukwuebuka Amaechi who titled his review “ Wriggling to Freedom …of Metaphorics , Dance and Sulfuric Projection” revealed that the voice in the poem projects dancers and the drum which speaks to the voice tones and his tribal dance.
He remarked that the Dance is a struggle, commitment and a total resolve to have a just world.
Mr Amaechi linked the poem with the scene in Gabriel Okara’s ‘The Voice’’ when Okolo’s people vehemently refused to allow him search for his ‘it’ in peace.
The highlight of the event was the poetry stage performance by Sylvester Nwokedi who goes with the stage name’ Mbem Ijele on the poem ‘Dawn before the dance’; Deborah Uzoma who performed the poem ‘We want to play’ and the Master of Ceremonies , Cally Ahanonu who trilled the audience with jokes to a laughable delight .
The event had in attendance the Author’s mother, wife and family members, titled men and HRH Eze Innocent Okafor, National President and Imo state chairman of ANA, Camillus Ukah and Chief Dr. Chukwuma Ibezute respectively ; Barrister Livinus Ikwuako Okeke, Prof. Chidi Osuagwu, friends and colleagues, ANA Imo members and student of Calvary International School, Orji , Imo state, etc.
