Nwodo leads eminent Nigerians to launch of Graffiti...As Okey Bakassi, Victor Osuagwu thrill guests

L-R: Osuagwu and Onwudiwe, author of Graffiti

Dr. Nwodo

History was made recently at the public presentation/launch of Chuma Onwudiwe's poetry collection “Graffiti”, which took place on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at O’ Jez Chinese Restaurant, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

In fact, it was the gathering of eminent Nigerians, literary personalities, colleagues, friends, family and well wshers. 

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion was His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former PDP Chairman and Executive Governor of Enugu State. Also in attendance were Chief Chambers Oyibo, former Group Managing Director, NNPC, Engr. Dave Ifezulike, Chairman Nestle PLC, Dr. Okechukwu Enalamah, Managing Director African Capital Alliance, Emeka Ifezulike, Managing Partner KCBC Chartered Accountants, Engr. S.C. Apakama, Dr. O. Udebiuwa and his delectable wife Barr. Mrs.Bona Udebiuwa, National President Soroptimist   International. Chairman of the occasion was Chief C.N.C. Nweke, CEO Chizzi Nig. Ltd. and President Lagos Branch of Govt. College Umuahia Old Boys Association. It was a well attended event. The hall was full and there was music and comedy for good effect what with the presence of Okey Bakkassi and Victor Osuagwu both of whom thrilled the packed venue from their repertoire of jokes.

Chief Nweke spoke glowingly of the hardwork, commitment and intellectual endowments of the author encouraged him not to rest on his oars but continue to write more books for the benefit of society. He enjoined Nigerians to embrace education and a reading culture.

Dr. Nwodo who unveiled the book, told the guests that there is an incredible amount of knowledge and ideas locked away in books waiting to be read. He told the gathering that anyone that reads a book should count himself lucky because he has done himself a world of good. A writer spends months and sometimes years in research, puts the ideas into a book and the only thing you are required do is just to take a few hours to read it and all the ideas will become yours. He described himself as a product of good reading culture. According to him,he reads anywhere; in the vehicle, in the plane, in the toilet, anywhere. In Govt. College Umuahia, you read no matter your inclination. No wonder the school has produced great African literary giants such as Chinua Achebe, Chukwuemeka Ike, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Elechi Amadi, Gabriel Okara and many others. He commended the author for writing to enrich Nigerians despite the odds. He commended his pet project, Read Again Nigeria Initiative (RAN) and urged all to support the author.

The book reviewer, Prof. Charles Uwakwe of University of Ibadan was represented by Dr. O. Iwuagwu of the University of Lagos. He commended the quality of the book and the poems contained in it. He described them as fresh, designed to educate, inform, entertain, challenge your intellect and make you think. Though you might need to be an initiate to decode some of the poems, you will not miss the admirable use of words and the author’s familiarity with the English lexicon. He said he personally enjoyed the poems; Molue, Their Pledge, Adanne, Shout Science etc. He recommended the book highly to the audience.

Chuma, in his own comments thanked the dignitaries for finding time despite their very busy schedules to attend the book launch. He said he feels humbled and encouraged by the show of support. He said the book of 44 poems is part of his contribution to the plan to get all Nigerians reading again. He promised to continue to write because it is in his DNA. Chuma, who is a former Editor in Chief of Ikoyi based St. Eve Magazine, is an actor, writer, producer and documentarist. A Nollywood veteran,he is a former National Secretary of the Actor’s Guild of Nigeria(AGN) and has acted in so many Nollywood films, written several scripts and starred in two Network soaps, After the Storm and Paradise Park.

His siblings who were present with their children presented him with a beautiful cake designed as a book with one of his poems inscribed on the surface. The author later read some poems from his book to applause and delight of the audience.