ANA Abuja’s new year’s opener with physician writer Okediran
Dr. Wale Okediran
Like many book lovers, I had looked forward to the January edition of the guest reading session of Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja, because of the personality of the author’s commitment to the literary craft and I was sure many also did, too, with optimism. We were not disappointed.
Literary appreciation in Abuja and its environs is fast becoming a culture, as the Zuma Hall of Savana Suite Hotel, Abuja, was filled with people from all works of life for the man of the moment, Dr Wale Okediran, also known as the physician writer. He is the author of many books, convener of literary symposia, medical doctor, critic and executive producer of the critically acclaimed novel-turned movie, Tenants of the House.
One could, in a way, call the January edition of the chapter’s reading session as one of the best as it started with an open glee of poetic rendition, which talked about the author and his many works. The guest reviewer, Professor Mabel Evweriohma, easily a lemon squeezer critic, did not leave any stone unturned as she went into discussing the works of the author, his life as a social commentator, political analyst and currently a biographer. She maintained that with the filming of the book, Tenants of the House, Okediran, as a critic, should expect more criticisms saying she hopes to find all the thematic issues addressed in the novel in a more visual manner, adding, “I will be your worst critic waiting to skin you if Tenants of the House as film doesn’t meet up with the standard of the book.”
Okediran, who took time to answer most of the question from the review, explained the goals, challenges as well as his experience in the filming of Tenants of the House and why he is into biographies. He explained that a lot of money has been pushed into making the film a huge success and that he was working with Nollywood’s Kunle Afolayan, who is one of the best directors in the film industry. He explained that writers should learn the art of writing for sustainability, saying that biographies are key areas waiting to be explored.
He said his critically acclaimed biography on Rochas Okorocha titled Rochas Revealed opens up reasons why many people should write their biographies, as there are just too many rumours that are perceived to be true and could ruin a person’s image forever.The session ended with questions and answers, photograph session with the author and book signing.
