society
KEN SARO WIWA INFLUENCED ME TO BE A WRITER. Iroha Chimere
KEN SARO WIWA INFLUENCED ME TO BE A WRITER. Iroha Chimere.
Iroha Chimere’s novel, ‘Riot in Ubahu’ has have been approved by the Nigerian Educational Research And Development Council, NERDC, (an Agency under Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria) for Secondary School 2 and general reading across all states in Nigeria and all English speaking African Countries.
*Who is Iroha Chimere*?
Written by Iroha Chimere, a native of Abia State in Nigeria, is an accountant, a writer and an IT expert. Chimere is a son of an educationist, his dad was principal of FGC Okigwe, for 10 years before he moved to FGC Ukpor where he later retired.
*How did you get started?I*
Although, a day student while in secondary School, his dad introduced him to a lot of literature books at the early stages of his life. One of his dad’s friends, Ken Saro Wiwa, was one of his mentors in writing. Ken Saro Wiwa influenced him to be a writer. So, reading lots of literature books became a part of him. From Wole soyinka’s books, Chinua Achebe, Shakespeare and Chimamanda Adiche also imparted his writing skills.
He started writing this book; his first, Riot in Ubahu in 2012 but got approved by the Nigerian Educational Research And Development Council, NERDC, in October 2022 to be a reader to Senior Secondary 2 and all Secondary Schools in Nigeria and also for general readership.
The book can also be used in all English speaking African countries because the body that approved, recommended, endorsed and authenticated the book is formidable and well respected worldwide.
“The book is a revelation from God because, if you ever attended a Unity school or any secondary school, although it is a fiction, it talks about life as a student in a Unity Secondary School, the teachers, the non-academic and the drama the students bring about, like; bullying, extortion and also the high moral like doing well in school, quiz, exams and a mixture of a whole lot.”
*Synopsis Of The Book*
Riot in Ubahu is the story of a school – a federal government college, as she fares under her principal, Chief Obanma Orizu, fondly called Obama by students, staff and family members. A strict disciplinarian, Obama works tirelessly to raise the academic and moral standards of the school. Inadvertently, he is known for discipline and fairness. The school itself thrives – having both excellent Academics as well as infrastructure to show for the principal’s hard work.
Not unlike any mixed boarding school, FGC Ubahu is home to various kinds of shenanigans – bullying, extortion, bounds breaking, sorcery, and the occasional riotbullying, extortion, bounds breaking, sorcery, and the occasional riot. In this narrative, a riot occurs at the end of the novel when Obama is transferred, and a new principal leads the school to the edge of ruin.
The riot is ruinous as it can be – leaving rape, destroyed school property, and hooliganism in its wake. A side of the school – especially the students, that had never been seen comes to the fore. And it falls to Chief Obanma Orizu to restore order and splendour to a school he once called home.
*The Challenges*
“It’s not easy” was his first statement. There is no author that will tell you that he or she has a particular formula or model they use in writing.
“It depends on how the spirit leads. I started by writing this story book using exercise books and I did in about three months. But you know, it was disorganised, so I started typing it and adding flesh to it every day and it took me about six months to finish the book.
There are times when I was writing it that I won’t have inspiration. That’s why most people got discouraged about writing. Plotting and assigning characters are the most difficult aspects and at times it can be very challenging, then the imagination aspect is another issue. Charles Dickens doesn’t have formal education but his imagination is great. If you don’t have good imagination you can’t be a good writer.”
*The Setting*
The setting of the novel is in a town called Ubahu in Okigwe, the third largest city in Imo State, Nigeria. Its a fiction but the town is real and there is a Federal Government College in the town as well. Ubahu is the village and there was a riot in that secondary school there at a particular point in time. So, he picked his inspiration from there.
The setting was in a secondary school and that is why any secondary school student can relate with it and its within Southeastern part of Nigeria.
It talks about the normal secondary school challenge; the assignments, punishments, class activities and more. It is a cursory look at secondary school days.
*Why It Was Recommended For Schools and General Reading.*
*The book title is appropriate.
*The print quality is legible and clear.
*The book gramage is appropriate.
*The novel looks at contemporary social problems in Nigerian society and especially at Educational institutions and portrays the end of evil and reward of diligence.
*Language and style are appropriate.
*Book format is okay.
*Story telling method was used.
society
“We Now Have Four Arms of Government”: VeryDarkMan Returns With Fiery Message After EFCC Detention
Pastor Oyediran celebrates a remarkable achievement as his son, Oluwatimilehin Oyediran, earns a Master’s degree in Computer Science
…Paving the way for a brighter future
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
A celebratory atmosphere was palpable on Friday, May 9th, 2025, as a father shared his heartfelt congratulations with his son, Oluwatimilehin Oyediran, on completing his master’s degree in Computer Science at Alabama University in the United States of America
Pastor Oyediran commenced his congratulatory message to his remarkable son, Oluwatimilehin Oyediran, by saying, “Big congratulations to you, my esteemed son, a proficient computer scientist, Oluwatimilehin Oyediran, for earning a master’s degree in Computer Science.”
According to a statement released by his media aide Oluwaseun Fabiyi, “My first and most important decision was to have you, which I have never regretted despite the numerous challenges and circumstances surrounding the world. Although you have never given your parents cause for concern, you confront your problems head-on like a mature man, face your challenges fearlessly and tackle obstacles with the ferocity of an eagle.”
When you first informed me that you would pursue computer science as your course of study, I had some reservations, not because I doubted your intellectual capabilities or perseverance, but because I knew you preferred to avoid stress, which is why I was somewhat skeptical, although I have faith that you will succeed
I appreciate your diligent efforts, which have not failed to impress me, and I am grateful that you have brought us honor. As a son of proud parents, you have proven your merit, and I am delighted to extend special congratulations to you on this exceptional accomplishment, dear son.
May you continue to attain greater heights in Jesus’ name. I am particularly proud of you. I wish you continued success. Congratulations once more my forever boyfriend.
Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
UBA’s Abiodun Coker Named “Future Leader in Media Management” at The Industry Summit/Awards
The communications team at United Bank for Africa (UBA) has another reason to celebrate as Abiodun Coker, Media & External Relations Lead, has been honored with the “Future Leader in Media Management” award at the upcoming 6th edition of The Industry Summit/Awards.
Organized by The Industry Newspaper, the leading brand marketing publication in West Africa — the prestigious awards recognize outstanding professionals shaping the future of brand marketing and communications across the region.
The award jury, chaired by Mr. Tolulope Ogunjobi, renowned broadcast business correspondent and Business Editor at TVC News, cited Coker’s exceptional achievements in the public relations field during the year 2024. Particularly noted were his masterful handling of UBA’s 2024 Rights Issue, which successfully closed on December 24, 2024, and the impactful execution of the bank’s 75th Anniversary Campaign, both of which were described as commendable and exceptional.
A seasoned professional, Coker’s journey from an acclaimed financial journalist at BusinessDay Newspapers to a powerhouse in corporate communications has been nothing short of inspiring. With over eight years of robust journalism experience, coupled with leadership roles at top-tier public relations firms such as BD Consult Ltd and Quadrant, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to transform and manage leading brands successfully.
According to the jury, Coker’s management of UBA’s media ecosystem during the year under review was remarkable, with several media professionals praising his public relations craftsmanship and ability to skillfully manage the image of one of Africa’s most formidable financial brands.
“Abiodun Coker’s achievements in 2024 are a beacon for greater accomplishments ahead,” the jury noted. “He is undoubtedly one of the strategic communication experts to watch in 2025.”
The Industry Summit and Awards held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at CIBN House, Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, Lagos, and the awards ceremony took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Abiodun Coker’s recognition further cements his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and future-ready communications leaders, with his eyes firmly set on redefining the media management landscape.
He is purposefully forging his path at UBA Group, widely regarded as a formidable team player in the communication strategic industry, his contributions are both impactful and impossible to overlook. He is undoubtedly a strong candidate for future leadership roles in the communications industry.
-
Business7 months agoComprehensive Media Audit Shows Flutterwave, MTN Nigeria, and Bolt Outpacing Competitors in Media Engagement
-
religion7 months agoIntimacy 2024 Lagos Crusade with Apostle Johnson Suleman: A Call for 1 Billion Souls for Christ
-
Entertainment5 months agoAliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhat You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade