Omo-Agege, Ngige, Banigo harp on girl-child, youth development

The Civic Centre, Lagos, from all walks of life, including the royalty, gathered for the launch of The Naïve Wife Trilogy by Ufuoma Emerhor-Ashogbon, also known as Ufuomaee.

The trilogy focuses on the intricacies involved in selecting a suitable marriage partner; building successful and lasting unions, pressure young people, who have attained the age of marriage, face and how to cope with them.

Commending the author for the issues raised and the problems the books address, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Special Adviser on Education, Waheed Kasali, noted that the books underscore the author’s creative ability.

He disclosed that Lagos State government is ready to work with the author to promote reading culture across the state.

Kasali said Lagos State government will partner the author to distribute the books to all the bookshops managed by the state government and also in its tertiary institutions, as part of ways to promote literature and deepen reading culture.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who chaired the occasion, called on parents to support and nurture their children’s artistic talents by creating enabling environments for creative expressions at homes. He added that many of the youths ferment trouble in the society come from homes that are not coordinated.

Marveled at the author’s over 27 titles despite her academic background the in social sciences, the minister noted that creative expression and success in the literary world is not limited to those majoring in the arts, but with the right support, natural talents one can blossom in the arts and become a voice to reckon with.

The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who was one of the special guests of honour commended the works and called on Nigerians to read to expand their horizon and also encourage their children to develop their talents.

The Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo, said the books will not only further advance the discussion on the girl-child rights and education across the Niger Delta regions, but have shown new ways to solve existing challenges.

Some of the guests that graced the event include; the founding leader of APC in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Chief John Odigie Oyegun who was represented by his daughter, Osaro Oyegun; Senator Peter Nwaoboshi represented by the former NIMASA DG, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; the GMD of Connexxion Group, Maxwell Esan, who was the chief launcher; and the Association of Movie Producers delegates led by its secretary, Baba Agba.