By Chioma Obinagwam
There is need for journalists, particularly, those in Nigeria to be innovative in their endeavours.
Confiance News gathered from the National president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Isiguzo, on Saturday.
Dr. Chris Isiguzo who made this call during the book launch of “Petals of Life”, a book written by Lilian Obiageli Ario.
“Poetry is not usually fictional. It deals with reality. It deals with emotions. Beyond our daily chores mostly centred on writing stories and development. We must devote time to be innovative especially now that social media is taking over our jobs,” he said.
Continuing, the NUJ President said, “It is very necessary for us to innovate and that is what Lilian Obiageli Ario has done.
“By the time we take out time to go through these collection, we will appreciate life.
“When you don’t know what to do, take to literature. No matter the vocation you have chosen, please try literature. You are going to confront issues and become a solution bearer.”
On his part, the book reviewer and an academic, Dr. Olatunbosun Taofeek, described the book as a gospel of love comparing it with Shakespeare’s 11 sonnet.
He was pleased with the writing style which he likened to that of great writers of old like Maya Angelou, among others.
Dr. Taofeek, who is also a creative writer, noted that the book is a collection of 70 poems that explores a wide range of themes, which began with the poem “I found me” and ended with “inspired inclusion”.
He cited topical issues raised by the book, which include: the girl child and children— their place in the world.
He said she talked about memories in the chapter she called “memorials.”
“She touched the memories of her late father and mother whom she referred to as: Mama Ghana and Papa Ghana.
Japa syndrome and the societal issues of Nigeria. The subject of faith: She advises us not to be tired of life and never to commit suicide because life is the greatest miracle from God.”
He added that she also talked about depression and how to overcome it.
“I recommend this poem for all and sundry; secondary schools and tertiary institutions. It is a book full of the philosophy of life,” Dr. Taofeek noted.
Lilian Ario is the Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter.
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