By Fred Ezeh

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It was celebration all the way at the prestigious New Law Theatre hall on the mini campus of the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Abuja, last week, as students, lecturers, clergymen, family and friends gathered at the venue to celebrate the academic excellence and writing skills of one of their own who authored a book, titled “Cosmopolitan.”
The event began with the arrival of dignitaries from different walks of life that came to witness the presentation of the educative and enlightening book.
As they walked into the auditorium, smooth and sultry musical interlude was provided to welcome them, even as photographers and cameramen were positioned to record and keep the memories of the event for posterity.
When the event began, the author, a 500 level Law student of UniAbuja, Uchechukwu Onwu, told the gathering that the motive of the book was to revive the love for poetry by first simplifying it, thus making it more attractive and understandable for people who were interested in poetry.
This, he said, would save poetry, which is fast losing followers, from extinction in the country.
Onwu, 23, said that the journey to realising the book “Cosmopolitan,” which is his third book, began in 2011 and came into fulfillment in 2017. The 82-page book, according to him, was a anthology of poems that touch different areas of human life, hence the title “Cosmopolitan.”
He also explained that the book was written in words and expressions that simplify poetry, making it possible for students and others who are interested in poetry to compose, easily interpret and, most importantly, understand poems written by others.
He expressed concerns that people were increasingly disliking and disembarking the from poetry train because of the nature of poems and the difficulties of self-expression in the genre; he voiced fears that if the trend continues, poetry would go into extinction.
Onwu challenged his fellow students to make every effort to discover their talents and not only that, but also vigorously pursue to the fullest and develop whatever their talent could be, thus making themselves effective global citizens that are welcome at the table of socio-economic and other important discussions.
The author said, “It wasn’t easy for me combining academic, social and religious lives. No doubt that I had distractions, challenges and other things that could have discouraged me from achieving this lofty dream,  but because I was determined to succeed, I committed all resources at my disposal and worked diligently, disregarded all distractions and challenges, and the rest is history.”
The chairman on the occasion, Mr. Enyinnaya Ekezie, in his opening remarks, celebrated the confidence and courage of the author to put together such a compendium of knowledge in a book format, recommending it for use in school and outside school.
Ekezie described the author as a trailblazer, academically and otherwise, who is worthy of emulation by his friends, schoolmates and others. He charged the author to remain focused in life and avoid distractions from anywhere, even as he prepares for his final days in school.
While reminding the gathering that the book was the third publication to the credit of the author, the chairman challenged the gathering to rise above the spirit of fear and discouragement and do something that would reshape and guide future generations on the right path.
Ekezie also expressed happiness over the academic prowess of the author and promised to continue to offer support in any way that he could for the success of the author, educationally and otherwise.
Similarly, the joy of the parents of author, Mr. Charles and Dr. Karachi Onwu, knew no bounds. They said that they were not surprise at the academic performance of their son because it started long before now.
The mother said, “Right from his days in primary school till when he was admitted in secondary school, he had exhibited high level of writing skills and that has continued to reflect in works over the years.
“In November 2009, he published his first book, titled “The College,” the following year, he published another one titled “Tale of Thoughts,” which was recommended by the Imo state Ministry of Education as a must use by all primary a secondary schools in the state.
“This, his third publication, would have been out long before now but for his busy schedule in school; thank God, it is finally out. He has made my family and friends very proud and I am very proud to associate and identify with him as mother and friend.”
Meanwhile, the guests were thrilled with different live musical performances, drama, citations and choreography, all with strong message of peace and love among all.
They equally highlighted the need for government to give priority to the quality and affordability of education, particularly in public institutions, bringing them to the same pedestal as contemporaries in Nigeria and abroad.