Dr Iwunwa Bags Award for Literary Excellence, Humanitarian Service at Imo State University
By Olisemeka Obeche
The founder and Chairperson of Ikenga Abiama Humanitarian Assembly (IAHA), Ambassador Dr. Uba Iwunwa has been honoured with a prestigious Literary Excellence Award by the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri for her contribution to literature and academic excellence as well as humanitarian service globally.
Dr. 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 on Friday, June 2nd, 2023.
Dr Iwunwa had in her keynote address at the occasion expressed her joy and satisfaction for being able to produce a book: ‘The Rising of Ikenga’ (Love Beyond Death) which carries a strong message that resonates with Nigerian youths who were at a critical juncture. Dr. Iwunwa who was represented at the occasion by the Brand Ambassador for Abiamdynasty.org, Princess Chidinma Amanda Omeonu, explained that the book provides an epic past-life love story connecting to a real-time soulmate connection.
“The main character in this journeyed through bitter life challenges to reach the realization to embrace an act of forgiveness as the fundamental key to true love. As a writer, the storyline has empowered me to embrace the originality and authenticity of the epic love practiced by our ancestors, live it and pass it on to the next generation in a work of art (book).
The author seized the opportunity to advise 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. Hear her: “The fact remains that the road to success is not usually a smooth ride. On a daily basis, we are confronted by different situations that test our resolve to either stay on our path or change our direction.
As a teenager, you are obviously at the beginning of your adult life. Most people at this stage in life are driven by exuberance and so prone to mistakes. How you channel your youthful energies, challenge yourself to get the best out of whatever you are doing, and how to correct the mistakes you make along the way will determine whether you will eventually make it to the top.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Vice Chancelor of the University, Professor Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, represented by the Head of Department, English and Literary Studies, Dr. Mrs Christiana Nneoma Onu, described the event as a special opportunity to reconnect with the Alumnus of the department.
She described 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.
“I have not read the book but the book is surprisingly enticing to me. The cover design appeal so much to me. It’s my belief that it will be a wonderful book and I recommend that to our students. I will like to have a copy and will also like everybody to have theirs minus the one they donated.
“We always encourage that our students should turn to creative writers. Some say they are born creative writers while others say they are made. I believe both because most of us while still in nursery school have that flair for writing. I have seen a ten-year-old who churned out something that is very amazing.
I have also seen those in secondary school who could also write well. Creative writing comes with a lot of practice and that is why we also said that they are made. Practice makes perfect.
She advised students to embrace creative writing with constant practice. 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. So, I encourage all of you at this level to do whatever is necessary to become creative writers.
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.
