From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Uyo Book Club ( UBC) has said that the contributions of James Ngugi Watiogo have helped to influence the work of literature not only in Kenya but across African continent.
The Club therefore urged young minds to develop a culture of reading and writing to influence their generations more than late Wationgo who had made impacts in his country and entire Africa through his books .
Wationgo; a Kenyan author died last week at the ripe age of 93 years .
Speaking during the monthly reading at Uyo Book Club last weekend, Prof Effiong Johnson while commenting on ” Steps , Strides and Glides” written by Engineer Ini Usoro urged the readers to observe a minutes silence in honour of late Wationgo.
Johnson; a professor of Theatre Communication , University of Uyo said every writer in Africa must write on politics as late Wationgo adding that politics has been the bane of African developments.
Dr Stella Edemekong while reviewing the book read for the month of May ” Steps, Strides and Glides by Dr Ini Usoro said the book is an autobiography with 15 chapters capable of holding readers spell bound as a guide to parenting .
According to Edemekong, ” the book could be used for character development of children.”
” The book has the theme of intentionality, resilience and perseverance.
” It is a journey of life challenges that turns into powerful lessons .
She urged students invited from 12 secondary schools in Uyo to read the book and draw inspiration in their academic pursuits adding that trouble never defined who the author will be in life .
” As young people, you have to learn, unlearn and relearn. Choose what you will become in life.”
The book author Dr Ini Usoro who attached a 12 lines poem title ” I am Becoming ” for students to read and draw inspiration charged them to develop a culture of reading and character moulding .
Abom Tony Esu in his welcome address acknowledged the book ” Musings of Yesteryears by Dr Udeme Nana launched in the month of April and bought 40 copies to be distributed to schools in Akwa Ibom state .
Esu explained that books give readers confidence and self esteem.
” If you read books ,you will have confidence.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of Uyo book club Dr Udeme Nana said he assembled three persons some years ago to start the reading club which has over 400 members now with three branches across the 3 senatorial districts in the state .
” What we are doing now is reawakening of reading culture, refine the sensibilities of the people because a society of dormant population with refine sensibilities is a better society.
” A society where sensibilities of the people are refined is easier to govern.”