When the gov savoured Udenwe’s literary dish 

THE Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has read and reviewed award-winning writer and civil engineer, Obinna Udenwe’s new novel, ‘Years of Shame’, supporting him with N20m.

The governor, who shares the same state of origin with the writer, recently, in a church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, said he read Udenwe’s novel with his two daughters, who found it interesting and educative.

Set in southern Nigeria, ‘Years of Shame’ tells the haunting tale of Patrice Ikebe, a man whose defiance and misplaced pride lead him to take the ukpa ji-ukpa nwa, a feared ritual oath of loss of wealth and children.

The novel unravels the devastating ripple effects of this decision, spanning generations and culminating in a heart-wrenching reckoning for his descendants.

Speaking about the novel, the governor commended the author for writing about the history and culture of the Abakaliki people in a way that is both simple and rich in detail and lessons.

“I am happy that you dove deep into our tradition to pick what you think is right and just to our people,” the governor said.

Governor Nwifuru stated that the novel offers enduring lessons to leaders and influential people who think nobody can talk to them or advise them, stressing, “It teaches us, especially the youths, to be sincere, humble, and truthful before taking any decision.”

The governor said that the novel teaches that nobody is above the law or the traditions of the land, further advising the youths to, no matter how rich and powerful they are, always listen to their parents, because they are the ones who will tell them the truth.

He stated that, for writing the book, the Ebonyi State government would support Udenwe with N20m to encourage his writing and creative endeavours.

ALSO READ: Nigerians already suffering, new taxes will kill businesses — ADC

Reacting to the gesture, Udenwe said he is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the honour the governor has accorded him, saying, “What my governor has done will encourage and inspire other artists and promote creativity.”

Udenwe was the inaugural winner of the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature in 2021 for his novel ‘Colours of Hatred’, which was also shortlisted for the Nigeria Prize for Literature. His other works include ‘The Widow Who Died with Flowers in Her Mouth’.

Udenwe’s storytelling prowess also extends to film, as his short story, ‘It Has to Do with Emilia’, was adapted into a movie by Bump Films Inc. in South Africa in 2022.