Karimot Odebode releases debut poetry collection

From left: Karimot Odebode, Founder, Black Girl’s Dream Initiative; Shukurat Adepoju, Queen’s School teacher; Jacinta Chukwu, winner of the debate competition; Abisoye Fagade, Convener, OSMD Network; Fatimah Adebimpe, Project Manager, Ibadan Schools Debate Competition during the the presentaion of cetificate to Jacinta in Ibadan recently

POET and writer, Karimot Olabisi Odebode, will present her debut poetry collection ‘A woman has many names’ on March 8 at the University of Ibadan.

It is a 156-page collection of over 100 poems published by Noirledge Publishing. It gives a voice to women and all others who care to listen about issues some women are too scared to share.

“The poems allay their fears by turning their reverberating sobs into reinvigorating songs while reassuring them of their innate abilities to triumph over travails,” Odebode said.

In the collection, the poet deploys her craft in the service of humanity by celebrating and championing the cause of the oppressed. She also deftly navigates other issues, including nationhood, inept governance and the universal subjects of love, hope, persistence and self-worth.

“Every poem in this collection is a name thirsting for sunlight — an undying essence embodying beauty, courage and strength in ways that enliven our world,” Odebode said. “Ultimately, the poems present a broad range of answers to the question: Does a woman have many names?”

Odebode is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, a lawyer, a girl-child/women activist, and the founder of the Black Girl’s Dream Initiative (BGDI). The commitment to social change drives her, and she also promotes education and leadership through art.

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“It is gladdening that only six months after that memorable event, the Minister of Interior is back in Enugu to perform another significant and symbolic ceremony. This time, the Minister accompanied by the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, is in the Coal City to unveil the enhanced E-Passport and Commission the Passport Production Centre for the South East situated in Enugu within this Complex.”

Speaking also, the Acting Comptroller General enthused that the people of the South East can now rejoice, pointing out that it was not that his Service oblivious of the suffering of the people but that time and resources had not permitted earlier action.

He commended Gov Ugwuanyi for his support and assistance to the State Command that had culminated in the realization of the project.

Responding, Aregbesola showered encomium on Ugwuanyi who he described as his good friend and one who has been of immense assistance to the Immigration Service in Enugu state.

The minister said not only does South East have a passport production centre within reach but also that the people now have access to an array of choices of the enhanced E-Passport that will aid their globe-trotting disposition.

Our Reporter