The author, 5th from right, with other dignitaries as they display the books after unavailing them
By Tony Adibe
Dominating lively and touchy “debates,” weekend, inside the main auditorium of the Enugu North Local Government Secretariat within the Enugu metropolis, capital of Enugu State, Southeast, Nigeria, was the burning issue of gender bias! An an Italian-trained Agric Engineer, and business mogul, Dr Prince Nduka Alum has written and published in one fell swoop, two beautiful novels with the stories revolving around the female characters, who are the real protagonists.
The author, Dr Alum is least excited when society where men’s dominance is so apparent that people gloss over the incredible and remarkable feats achieved by the female gender rather than celebrate them. He strongly believes that the girl-child ought to be encouraged, by all possible means, to strike gold; reach her goals in life – just like the boy child! In fact, there should be no discrimination against the girl-child, culture or no culture, as far as the author is concerned!
Thematically, Alum’s first literary work – “BEHIND THE DOORS OF FATE”, according to the book reviewer, Dr. Isaac M. Ogbonna, tells the captivating story of the major character, Adaeze , whose power of resilience and focus, enabled her to swim against the tides of life – even the impediments created by her own biological father – where she finds herself behind the doors of fate, and darkness, uncertainty and fear become the order of the day!
“The story also shows that the challenge of life and spiritual death or upliftment lies in the path we choose to follow. It further proves that experience is the best teacher, which has taught us that resentment and negative thoughts deepen the darkness around those who prefer that while those who stand, even as the storm rages, find a flickering light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the obvious unfavorable circumstances surrounding her, Adaeze chooses her path wisely, and what set out to consume her ends up bringing the best out of her. This novel tells the story of Adaeze and Eddy and beautifully combines a captivating learning process with the simultaneous discovery of places, events, culture, and history,” writes the book reviewer, Dr. Ogbonna.
The second novel, “The Girl Child: Rhythms of Destiny” shares similar theme with the first. Also published by Grand Touch Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, the novel is set in post-Nigerian civil war Enugu Ngwo, where Chizoba, a young woman born into poverty, courageously defies circumstances to pursue her dreams.
The book reviewer, Mrs. Chinwe Ozokwor, whose piece (review) was read to the huge audience, by her representative on the occasion, Barr. (Mrs) Chidi Grace Oseke, says that on daily basis people are disturbed to know about “a lot of gender-based violence,” stressing that “This book has come to be a voice for those victims of gender violence.”
The author has brought out the importance of the girl child, according to Oseke, who quickly adds: “When the girl child is treated better, we definitely have less broken homes. The story is about the orphan, Chizoba, who survived in the midst of extreme difficulties.”
In her review, Ozokwor wrote: “With an unyielding passion for law, she navigates an extraordinary path to gain her father’s confidence and overcome numerous challenges.
“Born into a low-income family, Chizoba faced insurmountable obstacles. However, her mother’s harsh rebuke, “Alaputakwanam Chizoba, (meaning – Don’t put me in trouble, Chizoba)” fueled her determination. She learns a trade and, with Pastor Emma’s guidance, gains spiritual growth, encouragement, and investment strategies.
“Uncle Alex’s arrest by the EFCC and subsequent detention without trial exacerbate Chizoba’s struggles. Her friend’s uncle proposes an early marriage, promising financial support. Chizoba’s response and counterproposal are pivotal.
“James, who introduced her to Pastor Emma, presumes Chizoba is the perfect wife. Barrister Molokwu’s chambers, where she interned, sparked her interest. Ebuka, her IT coach and business partner, helps her reorganize and digitize the office.
The author being assisted by dignitaries to cut the book launch cake – Photos by Tony Adibe
“Chizoba strives to “strike gold in a coal mine,” confronting her most significant challenge: navigating complex relationships. Ebuka informs her parents of their supposed engagement without discussion, while Barrister Molokwu and his wife plot to match her with their son, Sammy, a lawyer who eloped to the United States with an improbable partner.
“Trapped in indecision, Chizoba discovers love and success in an improbable place and time. Her journey is a testament to: Resilience in adversity; Determination and the power of choice; Self-discovery and Conscious pursuit of purpose.
“Chizoba’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by challenging circumstances but by our resolve to overcome them. Her journey shines as a beacon of hope, inspiring readers to reevaluate their potential and persevere through life’s challenges.
“In a dynamic world where usefulness determines our place, Chizoba’s narrative urges us to hold tight, transform our struggles, and fulfill our purpose.
“Chizoba is empowered by destiny, driven by passion, faith, determination, and applied work.” A Professor of Law and former Dean, Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Agu Gab Agu, has decried the low level of reading culture among the Nigerian youth, saying it is worrisome.
Agu who spoke to newsmen shortly after his remarks at the formal launching of the books titled: “Behind the Doors of Fate & The Girl Child: Rhythms of Destiny” in Enugu at the weekend, said the get-rich-quick syndrome and the craze for wrong use of electronic devices and internet materials are some of the major factors distracting the youth from embracing the reading culture.
The law teacher urged the Nigerian leaders to go beyond rhetorics by engaging the youth in meaningful ventures and providing them gainful employment to stem the ugly tide. He commended the Author of the books, Dr Nduka Alum for his courageous effort to write such creative works at a time book publishing is faced with challenges.
“The book is a product of literary creation, an invention of Dr. Prince Alum’s ever creative mind. The book deals with human experience, a seemingly fictionalized true life story that delves into gender bias issue against the girl child as regards educational opportunities.
“It also addresses the broader challenges of life, economic and spiritual growth, and the choices individuals make that shape their lives. The title of the book is captivating. However, while speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the Agric-Engineer turned-novelist, Dr. Alum explained what motivated him to write the books. I have seen a situation where the girl-child grew from nothing to become something great and yet nobody talks about it.
“Adaeze became a pillar that transformed the husband, Eddy Best from the playboy he was into becoming what he had wanted to be – a parent – and head of a well-organised household with children,” said Dr. Alum.
Another motive, author further said is the “pleasure of expatiating on the topic of the girl child, speaking for those whose voices are not being heard in the society, being an advocate for things that I have noticed that in our society, are not well-presented – the girl-child; what the girl-child goes through as a child growing up in an African society; how the women are relegated to a second class order when it comes to education; the priority of training the male child in disfavour of the girl-child, especially where there’s financial stress.”
He said that henceforth, he would continue to write to ensure that, “we have to give an equal opportunity to the girl child,” stressing that “what interests me more is that the society gets to a point where we start exploiting that zeal in the girl-child which, so far, has remained untapped.”
The author (back to the camera) as he autographs books for people
But a Professor of Law and former Dean, Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Agu Gab Agu, bemoaned what he regarded as the poor rate of reading culture among the current Nigerian youth, describing it as worrisome.
Prof. Agu, who also spoke to reporters shortly after his remarks at the formal launching of the books, said the get-rich-quick mentality or syndrome coupled with the craze for the wrong use of electronic devices and internet materials are some of the major factors distracting the youth from embracing the reading culture.
The university don advised the Nigerian leaders to go beyond mere rhetorics by engaging the youth in meaningful ventures and providing them gainful employment to stem the ugly tide. He lauded the author for his courageous effort to write such creative works at a time book publishing is faced with challenges.
“The book is a product of literary creation, an invention of Dr. Prince Alum’s ever creative mind. The book deals with human experience, a seemingly fictionalized true life story that delves into gender bias issue against the girl child as regards educational opportunities.
“It also addresses the broader challenges of life, economic and spiritual growth, and the choices individuals make that shape their lives. The title of the book is captivating,” said Prof. Agu, who also is the author of several academic books. He said the author did a good job by writing the books and described him as a good ambassador of the voiceless in our society, especially the girl-child. People queued up for the author to autograph their copies for them as the event drew to an end.
