Book lovers are waiting in anticipation ahead of the public presentation of Soul and Spirit, a poetry collection authored by Joe-Blaise Nnaemeka Akanazu, a Germany-based international development expert, writer and insurance guru.
The book, set to be presented to the reading public on January 8, 2025 at Jubilee Hall, Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, the Imo State capital, is a collection of 120 motivational and educational poems drawn from years of weekly reflections.
The 120 poems in Soul and Spirit, according to Akanazu, were selected out of over 500 poems that he wrote every Sunday over a number of years.
“I started writing a poem every Sunday. It was a weekly ritual for me. I would write and share to my contacts on WhatsApp,” said Akanazu.
“Over time, with good reviews and commendations from several poets and institutions around the globe, I thought it wise to expose some of the poems to an audience beyond my WhatsApp contacts. These 120 poems contained in ‘Soul and Spirit’ have been analyzed and packaged for educational purposes,” he said.
Akanazu said his brand of poems has the ability to strike the reader with emotions that take one away from one’s immediate environment to an abstract world of new thinking, reflections and discoveries.
Some of the poems in Soul and Spirit are already being used by several schools in Nigeria during their morning devotions and assemblies, he said.
The Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike, is expected to grace the book launch as the special guest of honour, while renowned artist Paddy Obinna will be the book reviewer.
The event will be chaired by United States-based pharmacist and philanthropist, Dr Uche Perry Ekwunazu, just as a former Director of Police Affairs Abuja, Prof. Mazi Ojiaku, is expected as a special guest.
Among the co-launchers of the book are Chief Emeka Duru, the Onodugo of Amurie Omanze, and Chief Chika Duru, Akwaugo of Nkwesi Kingdom and Igolo of Isiama Autonomous Community, while HRH Eze Barr. Francis Okechukwu Ahanotu, the Iyi 1 of Amiyi Akah Autonomous Community in Njaba LGA, Imo State, will be the royal father of the day.
The event will be moderated by the Director of Entrepreneurial Skills Development Centre and the former registrar, Gregory University Uturu, Dr Okey Onukah, assisted by Dr Chisimdi Udoka Ihentuge.
