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By Brown Chimezie
Founder and Chairperson of Ikenga Abiama Humanitarian Assembly (IAHA), Uba Iwunwa, has been honoured with the Literary Excellence Award by the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri for her contribution to literature and academic excellence as well as humanitarian service globally.
Uba received the award during the unveiling of her new book, ‘The Rising of Ikenga’ (Love Beyond Death) at the English and Literary Studies Department of the Imo State University, Owerri.
Iwunwa had, in her keynote, address expressed joy and satisfaction for being able to produce a book which carries a strong message that resonates with Nigerian youths who were at a critical juncture.
Dr. Iwunwa who was represented by the Brand Ambassador for Abiamdynasty.org, Princess Chidinma Amanda Omeonu, advised Nigerian students to rededicate themselves to academic excellence in order to actualize their dreams in life.
According to her, sound education remains the key to unlocking intellectual and creative potential. “Once we fail to acquire sound education, we become vulnerable and our chances of spending our lives trying to escape the clutches of poverty remain high,” she stressed.
Iwunwa, however cautioned that Nigerian youths must be ready to work hard, endure hardships and deprive themselves of many things in order to climb the ladder of success. Earlier in her welcome remarks, Vice Chancelor of the University, Professor Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, represented by the Head of Department, English and Literary Studies, Dr. Christiana Nneoma Onu, Dr. Iwunwa as an icon, a worthy ambassador of the department, Igbo nation and Africa as a whole.
She seized the opportunity to advice the students to emulate the author who had done so much to showcase the rich Igbo and African culture at the global stage.
“We always encourage that our students should turn to creative writers. In as much as you are in school studying based on your course outline, I’m encouraging you to start developing your creative writing talent because it is really an amazing skill for the future.”
Also in his remarks, the Departmental Academic Staff Adviser, Dr. Austin Emela, expressed joy that the department was celebrating a literary masterpiece and an ambassador of the department. He re-emphasizes the importance of reading literary works, which according to him exposes the reader to the world he or she had never encountered physically. Dr. Emela seized the opportunity to advise students to develop reading habits, which in turn could boost their creative writing skills.
The former HOD of the department, Dr. Mrs. Christabel Onyema, also thanked Dr. Iwunwa for choosing the school for the unveiling of her new book. She expresses hope that other ex-students of the department could also emulate her and collaborate with the school in upholding academic excellence. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the special literary excellence award to Dr. Iwunwa for her contributions to academic excellence in the department as well as her humanitarian service.
