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.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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