Segun Ozique

Book:   RUSTLE IN THE WIND-Collection of short stories Author: Nneonyeodiri (Nee). O. Ukoha Online purchase @ www.Spectrumbooksonline.com We have plethora of wars in the world today as has been from the beginning of time. The Nigeria/Biafran Civil war was no different-an obnoxious, evil and cancerous machination of some ego tripping men. Historians, and writers in general from both divide, particularly, the victors, often paint romantic and glowing documentation of wars as theatrical platform showcasing bravery, dexterity, endurance, will-power, etc. And though they also sometimes touch on people’s sufferings, this is often done by ways of a people in distress slant; a generalisation that overshadows the realities of the individuals as stand-alone person or family in pains. But the pains, horrors and anguish families and individuals go through in warfare are real and Nne in this book, ‘ Rustle in the Wind ,’ unwraps such realities and absurdities strikingly. Her work b...

Who are you? My name is Nneonyeodiri O. Ukoha a wife, mother and doting grandmother; I worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). I am a creative writer and critic, particularly, when it comes to assessing my works, which sometimes is a constraint. I have an abiding faith in God, believe in making a difference in whatever I do and leaving a legacy. I hold myself accountable in all things and expect people to tell simple truth. Ordinary folks fascinate me; I love their company and they are my best friends. Lastly, I am passionate about women and girl child issues. At Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) what did you do? Scripting, editor and a producer: Programmes I produced in NTA included children’s ‘ Monthly Birthday Party,’ ‘Blow Dry’ – a comedy set in a pair saloon; ‘ The Honourable’ – a comedy (satire) on the foibles of the Nigeria politicians in 80s; created and co-designed new programmes like ‘ Second Chance’ an adaptation of the British program...

‘A Song As I am and Other Poems,’ is a collection of non-form, rhyming and metering poems collection ranging from personal life experiences – the realities and expectations and society’s state of disorganisation with human playing the lead role in its destabilization; she gives readers, divided and heterogeneous insights and flavours. She writes evocative and touching poems that draws on all sorts of connotations as she does with varied conclusions. One thing she makes very clear in this collection; Mabel is a mum, done this and done that about being a wife; about birth, marriage, the ups, then downs that goes with nuptials. Has experienced wars, work, survival and she sings about them all. Her poems about her experiences and concerns on motherhood; watching children grow, experiencing love and loving her maternal environment are my favourites. There are some really enjoyable poems in this collection: including ‘...  A Song As I am, To Be A Woman, For Monrovia, Nuptial ...

In this book, Joe Dauda, an author, social analyst and writing consultant rehearses the history of the temperaments of President Goodluck Jonathan; doing a psychological analysis of his fluctuating behavioural patterns. Starting with a quote, from the book; concerning the president’s reaction to a negative TV broadcast...he writes, ‘...not even the worst critic of the president will disagree that his decision to visit the college himself while on his way to important regional meeting was very commendable...with that one act, President Jonathan,’ should have, ‘silenced for all time any criticism on being lackadaisical in governance. By visiting Police College, Ikeja, he showed Nigerians that he cares and is willing to work to correct what needs correction in the country...’ however, ‘after seeing the rot in Ikeja Police College with his own eyes...’ rather than as expected roll out the promises to right the wrongs, ‘the president,’ instead, had an unfortunate brainwave, ‘forgot the...