Love is full of sighs

 

Book title: Eclipse Of The Heart

Author: Matthias Pantaleon

Publisher: Jones Walker Publishers, Nigeria

Pages: 66

Year of publication; 2012 (Revised edition 2023)

Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

 

"Eclipse Of The Heart" is a collection of poems written by an enterprising playwright,  Matthias Pantaleon, who is still expanding his coast in the production of creative literary works in the committee of global writers' circles.

Having known the author as a dashing bloke with a caring heart over the years, it is not surprising to read his humanitarian, insightful and deep - seated love for justice, equality and fairness  expressed in this amorous poetry volume.

The 66-page collection contains two sections namely "Book One" and "Book Two." The first section is made up of 25 poems, likewise the second section, and makes a total of 50 titles in its contents.

Some of the poems in the first section includes "Eclipse Of The Heart," "My Darling," "Tall Drink," "In The City Of Crows And Kites," "You Must Love Me Equally," "Unhurt Yourself," "You Come First," "When A Woman Loves A Man," and so on and so forth.  The second section poems includes the following titles: "I Think Dearly Of You," "Your Mascara Says lt All," "Keep Your Distance," "Someone Like You," "The Lesser Of Two Evils," "I Am Not Yours," "A Woman's Truth," "It Is Hard To Love Eve," "lrrational Love," "Bitter - Sweet Memories" etcetera.

The pieces generally borders on the business and politics of love - whether authentic, fake, obsession, worries and challenges in the relationships between males and females. The author paints different intriguing imaginative natural pictures with the power of love among humans, by likening the emotional phenomenon to the natural rhythms of the winds, waves, rivers, springs, oceans, sky, mountains, moon, sun, stars and whatever you could think of in the universal ecosystem. This creates both mental and psychological images about different experiences many folks have passed through or are still passing through in their relationships with their spouses or lovers. 

Hence, the reader is reminded about William Shakespeare's play titled "Romeo and Juliet," wherein a character says "...Love is a smoke full of sighs..." There are both lovely and bitter sighs in the field of love as humans are not perfect beings. There should however, be a limit of enduring pains and deceits in any relationship between humans, seems to be the hallmarks of some of the poems.

For instance, in a two - stanza poem titled "My Darling" in the collection, the poet expresses his love for his self - known lover in the lines thus:

"If you are reading this

Do not smile just yet

This kid misses you with

A frown and a brow

 

If you feel sad reading this

Do not frown just yet

This kid loves you with

A smile and a mile"

This shows the poet is tenderly inclined to loving an Eve's daughter, whether  as a child born by a woman, or a child that cares for his sister or girlfriend, in as much a biblical verse says: "Go ye and multiply.

Moreover, the poet goes prescriptive in what makes a woman a true lover and comforter of a responsible  man, by using a poem titled "When A Woman Loves A Man" to express his emotions thus:

"When a woman loves a man

She recites the grace twice

Spend the night in his shirt

Because it smells like him

 

When a woman loves a man

She protects him with flight of butterflies

At home, with soothing melodies

Of singing canary and whistling cockatiels

 

When a woman loves a man

She becomes her guardian angel

Nothing dare come between 

Her weakness goes in unison with her strength

 

When a woman loves a man

She makes supplication on his behalf

Her spirit watches over him

Through mud and ashes

 

When a woman loves a man

She teaches him the way of peace

Trust in his judgement like

It is the equal of her soul"

 

By and large, the poems are written in blank and free verses infused with highly arresting figures of speech, internal rhymes and scansion that makes the reader nod at intervals, while digesting the rich philosophical thoughts of the poet, about what love truly is, and what is not to be done in the name of love. It is a volume every matured mind should read. The diction is simple but deep with poetic messages for any discerning mind to grasp. This makes reading the collection worthwhile. It is devoid of obscurantism that most times hinder readers from comprehending the messages in the works of some poets globally.

The author has other published books, and also have some manuscripts in his kitty waiting for publication.  One of his popular books is a work titled "Journey To The Unknown." He is a journalist and member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos chapter, Nigeria.

 

Indomitable zeal makes star shine

 

Title of book: The Invincible Will

Author: Amadi Ekwutosilam Njoku

Publisher: AA-Peters Expressions, Nigeria

Year published: 2021

Pages: 128

Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga 

"The Invincible Will," is the winner of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) prose prize of Children Literature in 2022. The author, Amadi Ekwutosilam Njoku, paints a serenading picture of different types and characters of students from diverse backgrounds and upbringings in the novella.

In its various short and long total of twenty chapters that culminates in 128 pages, the author entertains the reader with many events that shape the lifestyle of both urban and rural students from primary to secondary school level on one hand, and the childhood dreams they desire to fulfill in physical realities on the other.

The settings of the story are Amasiri village in Ebonyi State, in South - Eastern region, and Sasa community in Lagos State, South - Western, Nigeria. Through the central character's ambition to become a successful sprinter in athletics, the author weaves a very engaging story that elicits the importance of holding firm to one's ambition in life, while striving to get it fulfilled even if the entire world writes you off as a mere dreamer, due to your body size - whether short, tall, fat or slim.

Despite Achebe's diminutive height like a Lilliputian, and the discouraging remarks by some folks, concerning his ambition to become an acclaimed sprinter through participation in athletic events, he remains resolute in his iron will to succeed, even when some dream killers think he is building a castle in the air. 

In his resolve to put his name on the shelf of Sprint's Galaxy, he did not just hang his hope on only praying or wishful thinking. Hence, his invincible will to succeed, lands him in El Dorado at last. He wins multiple medals through inter-secondary school relays organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Sports.

In light of the issues raised in the novel, there are many lessons one could learn. Whether as a student, parent, or educational psychologist, different portions of the storyline are laced with various relatable life occurrences that one can identify with, concerning the character and behaviour of students at school and home. For instance, Lotanna, one of Achebe's classmates belongs to the category of students that are over-pampered by their parents, which makes them become spoiled and arrogant at school. Ugonna, Lawal, and Dapo are symbols of good friends and well-wishers within and outside school environments. Kelvin is an incurable bully from God knows where. And Segun represents humble senior students who assist junior ones to succeed in their commendable ambition. Therefore, the characters in the novella are well differentiated in their individual traits.

By and large, the diction of the author is quite entertaining with very rich figurative expressions, idioms, and some commonly used Nigerian - style pidgin or street language jingoism. These make the reader laugh or smile from time to time, as the atmosphere and reasoning pattern of both junior and senior students are beamed on. Apart from being a very good material for both junior and senior students, it is also important for adults, especially parents to read it too.

However, there is a saying that "No work of art is perfect." Hence, though some defects noticed in the text may not be the author's fault, there is a need to correct them during reprint. One of the errors includes graphic noise on pages 14 and 16, which contains the same paragraph, probably caused during the laying of the text on the Coreldraw page maker file by the graphic artist given that responsibility in the process of text arrangement on a computer screen before printing. 

There is also semantic noise on page 24 caused by the omission of two alphabets "li" from the word "living" in the first paragraph of that page. The paragraph starts with "Ving," as a word, which makes the sentence and sweet flow of the story temporarily disjointed at that point. It is an indication of another blunder by the page graphic artist, who haphazardly copied it from God knows where in Chapter Four and dumped it like that. The graphics stylistics whereby the first two, three, or four words at the beginning of every chapter’s sentence are written in capital letters is not ideal for any type of book publication. The law of sentence uniformity does not encourage such blatant configuration by any graphic artist capitalization of a group of two, three, or four words at the beginning of any chapter or paragraph. Every sentence must begin with a capital letter, not a group of two, three, or four words as noticed at the beginning of each chapter of the novella. It is a sign of sheer ignorance on the part of the graphics arranger in formatting text.

Nonetheless, the beauty of the printing is that the book contains no mechanical or channel noise, which makes reading it quite clear and entertaining despite the psychological noise created by the graphics artist or text arranger in page planning and formatting. 

The author's other works include "Eras Literature - in - English (Critical Analysis) for Secondary Schools" and "Echoes of Our Voices (Collection of poems)." He is a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Chapter.

                                                                    END

Reincarnation, freedom from monarchical slavery, human sacrifice, deceitful love

Title of book: lzelogha

Author: Okoedo Otalen Adodoh

Publisher: Magnet Ventures, Lagos, Nigeria

Pages: 111

Reviewer:  Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

 

"Izelogha," a play written by Okoedo Adodoh, a prolific writer, is a beautiful reminder of the ancient traditional system of monarchical government during the era of the old Benin Empire, and why many communities, societies and nations have been embracing democracy as the best system of government from time immemorial till date.

The 111-page book highlights both the good and bad sides of monarchical government by using Benin City of the historical ancient Benin Empire (Edo State, Nigeria) as its setting. The heroic drama's central character is Obamwonyi, a great warrior in lsi community, who commits suicide in order to reincarnate to take vengeance on the Oba (King) whose sword - bearers beheads his (Obamwonyi) only child after a wrestling contest at the king's palace.

Therefore, Obamwonyi reincarnates and become known as lzelogha, a powerful teenage warrior, to emancipate lsi folks from perpetual tribute - payment to the king of the then Benin empire. The name of the central character and the historical drama's title makes the book an eponymous work of creative art.

Through the twelve scenes that made up the linear plot full of sub - themes, the reader is reminded about the exploits of the ancient Benin empire during the precolonial British government and afterwards. It would be recalled that the former Benin empire spanned from Asaba (Delta State in Nigeria) to Akure (Ondo State in South - Western Nigeria), onward to Cotonou in the present day Republic of Benin (former Dahomey). The drama gives vivid insights into precolonial African societal system of governance in terms of monarchical hegemony, tax and tribute payment to traditional authorities.

One of the major motifs in the storyline is the use of divination by traditional priests whom the folks always consult for guidance about complex issues of life and how to overcome them. This comes to the fore in the scenes depicting how lzelogha is given birth and how he cries endlessly. Another noteworthy scenario is when the daughter of the Oba of Benin fails to deliver Izelogha's head to her father after implanting her as a deceitful wife on Izelogha upon his victory over the king's warriors. Evbu, the Oba's daughter delay to fulfill her father's plot against her husband, makes her father to invite a diviner to unravel the reason for her delay.

From the foregoing, the author periscopes Africans monomaniacal beliefs in traditional deities, river gods/goddesses, reincarnation and ritualistic sacrifices, well showcased in a very interesting, informative and educative style.

Using flashback, aside, soliloquy, humour, suspense and other dramatic stylistics, the author delivers a very engaging storyline that keeps the reader turning from one page to another at a fast pace, from the beginning to the end of the book. The dialogue is written in blank verses infused with rich African proverbs, idioms and wise sayings. It is a piece that any lover of History, Sociology, Literature - in - English, Anthropology and culture will find useful as a reference material.

Nonetheless, scholars that are interested in mysticism and spiritual conjuration may also find some scenes engaging as they showcase issues bordering on magical spells and invisible voices that reminds the reader about William Shakespeare's drama titled "Tempest," wherein a reference is made about "Somebody Nobody" by some drunken characters.

The diction is simple with clear presentation and description of stage effects and furniture, for assimilation and practical production in a theatre.

However, some colloquial expressions were noticed in the text. One of them include words such as "talk less of," which can be replaced with "let alone," as observed in one of the dialogues. The translation of many vernacular words into English language is highly commendable as it helps the reader comprehend the text well. 

The author, Adodoh studied Theatre Arts at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. He also studied Journalism at the London School of Journalism, U.K. He is also a poet whose poems were published in the American Poetry Anthology edited by John Frost. Hence, he is an established playwright, poet, journalist and member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos State branch, Nigeria, where he lives at present.

END

 

 

2023 University of Delaware Entrepreneurial Diamond Challenge for Secondary School Students

 By Blessed Adjekpagbon

Another opportunity is at hand for Nigerian secondary school students to participate in the next University of Delaware's Horn Entrepreneurship Diamond Challenge for all secondary schools worldwide in 2023. 

The Diamond Challenge which has been rated as one of the top three entrepreneurship competition in world student competitions usually attract over 40 participating countries every year. 

Interested schools are expected to craft local entrepreneurial ideas that could help to provide solution for urgent challenges in their community that can also be adopted to solve similar issues in various environments and societies.

The event will offer participants an opportunity to benefit from an exclusive session that support idea scaling beyond the scope of the competition. 

It is an opportunity for Nigerian students that will be selected to be among the list of a global finalists to represent Nigeria at the Horn Entrepreneurship Summit scheduled to take place at the University of Delaware, United States of America.  The competition offers participants a chance to win from a pool of $100,000 cash awards and other recognitions from sponsors of the program. It also grant students an avenue for nomination into the Horn Entrepreneurship Advisory Board Team.

It would be recalled that Caleb British International School, Lagos State; George Green Baptist College, Oyo State; Divine Rays British School, Anambra State; and Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State are some Nigerian secondary schools that have participated in the competition as Global Semi-Finalist since the inception of the event till date.

Any interested school can apply by selecting up to three or four students or teams with a proposed social innovation idea and sign up at https://diamondchallenge.org/ to submit their application on or before January  9, 2023.

Teachers coordinating their students are free to submit more than one idea to increase the chances of their school selection as finalists based on merit.  

 

END

 

News: NIMC, succumbs to public request for NIN correction

By Isaac Daniel

The National Identify Management Commission, (NIMC), of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has finally bowed to the increasing pressure mounted by the general public to correct the mistakes they made while registering for their National Identify enrollment.

A public statement released by the Commission (NIMC), has disclosed that the corrections are now possible with them on official request, but can only be affected in their enrollment centers nationwide. 

The statement released from the Wuse, Abuja, FCT, headquarters of NIMC,was signed by its Director-General and CEO, Engineer Aliyu Abubakar. It stated that the Commission "wish to inform the general public that the request for possible modification of records relating to the biodata (Date of Birth, Name, etc), of applicants on previous Enrollment, can only be done at NIMC Centers". 

In addition, the high powered statement, also informed that “all forms of Data Modification can only be done in person and not by proxy. "All processing fee payment are to be done through the NIMC remital platform, the statement further informed.

"We also wish to notify you that Local Front End Partners (FEP's) / VENDORS are not licensed to carry out modification service.

"Please be guided accordingly and do not give in to Extortion" , the statement further said".

"NIMC further implored Nigerians through the public statement, not to make cash payment or deposits to any staff personal account before service is rendered. If they receive a request to make payments to staff personal account, they should report immediately to the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Commission.

"Should anyone request for cash payment or deposit into personal account before service, contact the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Commission by sending a mail to  acctu@nimc.gov.ng or call 08157691214, 09034959433.

"The Commission also asked the general public to also contact the Commission through her official telephone number 08157691139,  her email: info@nimc.gov.ng or log to her website: www.nimc.gov.ng, for enquiry.  

It also passionately appealed to the public to assist NIMC to realize her anti- corruption campaign, by not succumbing to any extortion request by anybody at the enrollment centres . "Say no to extortion at all enrollment centres", NIMC emphatically declared.

Engineer Abubakar, also revealed that the NIN enrollment, NIN verification service before enrollment and National e-ID Cards (first issuance), services are Free. But NIN Slip Reprint, Modification of Biodata (excluding Date of Birth), will cost N500 each. 

The modification of Date of Birth (DoB) will cost N 15,000, while National e-ID Card replacement and renewal is N5,000. 

However, Abubakar asked the public to note that all Card printing service are now on hold.

"All payments and financial transactions are to be made through the NIMC remita platform only" , he stressed again.

 
END

Great poems for checkmating spread of viruses, bacteria, pollution in society

Book Title:  Corona Must Die and Other Poems 

Publisher:  Bulkybon Books, Lagos, Nigeria 

Author:  Adjekpagbon Blessed 

Year published:  2020 

Number of pages: 80 

Reviewer:  Olufemi Ojolo 

 

Mr. Blessed Adjekpagbon's newest collection of poems titled "Corona Must Die and Other Poems" is quite instructive to both students and the general public on the need to always keep our environment clean, to avoid the emergence and spread of epidemic diseases globally. 

The 80 - page book contains 30 poems with diverse topics. Some of the poems are lyrical and full of clear information about Covid - 19 and other diseases such as Ebola, Cholera etc, to mention a few, and how to curtail their spread during and after the global lockdown due to Corona virus epidemic. 

One of the remarkable qualities of the book is its academic and health orientation for students. It also contains 30 colourful illustrations / images that could make the reader have a better understanding of the messages in each of the poems. Assessment questions in essay and objective formats are used to test the reader's understanding of the contents of each poem. These make the book a commendable material as a text for both students and the general public consumption.  

Apart from viruses and bacteria that spread through human mismanagement of the environment, showcased in the collection, it also dwells on air pollution and climate change issues and awareness. This further makes the poetry volume a highly useful text for the promotion of environmental issues as it proffers solution for it. 

In order not to sound as if I’m building a larger than life image of the collection, only those that read it will comprehend better, the quality of the book for environmental wellness, entertainment and good health purposes, through its very simple diction and lyrical attributes. The book is however, targeted at junior secondary school students, but it is equally beneficial to the general public. 

As an environmental scientist, l suggest that some of the poems should be adopted for television and radio recitations / jingles, to create public awareness and call to action about the need for collective efforts to tackle the spread of diseases, environmental pollution and effects of climate change worldwide. 

Adjekpagbon the author, is a multidisciplinary multiple awards winning teacher, poet, playwright, novelist, journalist and lecturer. He has over ten books published to his credit. Some of his works are being used as recommended text for study by primary school pupils on one hand and secondary / tertiary students on the other. 

He is a member of TESOL International Association (TIA), Virginia, U.S.A; Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), Lagos Chapter; Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council; and Africa - ELTA (English Language Teachers Association). He is the current President of Creative Writers Association of Nigeria (CWAN). 

                                                                            

                                                                 END

NOTE: The author can be reached through: +2348067538922, +2348091087559