Individuals have been admonished to develop their intellectual capacities by engaging in literary works that would impact positively on society and leave lasting legacies even when they are no longer alive.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State, Hon. Joseph Johnson gave the charge on August 7, at the unveiling of the novel ” The Invisible Remote Control”, authored by Gloria Boma Harry.
He observed that most people transit without offloading their writing talents, thereby depriving others of the privilege to benefit from their gifts.
He said he had to attend the event despite the ongoing protest, because the Rivers State Government, apart from focusing on Agriculture, education and health care, is also interested in youths, Tourism and human capital development.
He disclosed that the Governor Siminalayi Fubara led administration is a Media friendly one, with strong ties with the NUJ, Federated Chapel and NAWOJ, and the fact that Harry is the Chairman of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State, makes it imperative for him to attend the unveiling.
Commending Harry for successfully completing and publishing her works, Johnson urged People to read books. Reiterating that Youths should read veraciouslly, even if it is the Bible because there is always something new to be learnt on a daily basis.
He urged her to keep up the good work and not to relent in writing more novels.
On his part, the 2nd Deputy National President of NACCIMA, and the author of the book titled; Push Through the Wall, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, commended Harry for the feat.
Membere-Otaji, encouraged her to aspire for greater heights in her literary journey.
The Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria Rivers State, Dr. Ken Osunwa, the President National Council for Women Societies Rivers State Branch, Princess Jetiba Soberekon, The President Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Garden City, Rotarian Emeka Nwaneri, The Chief Executive Officer of HAMAD, Alabo Captain Dumo Massey Harry, Bar. Ebenezer Finecountry and Rotarian Karina Igonikon, in their separate speeches eulogized Harry and commended her for the outstanding quality of her novel.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Harry expressed gratitude to God for the inspiration and courage to put the novel together.
She attributed her passion for writing to the her childhood, when notable authors such as Chinua Achebe, Ola Rotimi and Wole Soyinka’s works evoked images in the minds of youths then.
The influence of other foreign authors like James Hardly Chase and Mills and boon laid the path towards the romance with fiction and fantasy.
She dropped the hint that arrangements were ongoing to make the novel into a movie.
A former Local Government Council Chairman in Abia State, Hon. Chimaobi Agbaeze, former Commissioner for Youth and Development, Sir Owene Wonodi, Award winning Human Rights Advocate Bar. Higher King, Veteran Journalist and former General Manager of Rhythm FM, Miebaka Inyeinengi were amongst dignitaries who graced the event.
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