Azuh@50: For The Love Of Writing

SYLVESTER ASOYA 

Azuh Arinze, the affable and suave journalistreleases two books to mark his 50th birthday 

He is a good writer, who finds writing pleasurable.But nowhere is the impact of his good skill as a reporter, editor, publisher, writer and somebody who encourages the ideal of service more evident than in his books. In the last ten years, he has written nearly a dozen books and he is still writing. From FAME Weekly where his writing journey began in 1994 as an intern, to Encomium Magazine, where he eventually served as editor for eight years, Azuh Arinze has kept faith with the written word. 

Today as Editor-in-Chief of YES International Magazine, Azuh’s writings continue to move forward in leaps and bounds. For those who may not know him, one important thing about this easy-going journalist is his love and commitment to literature. Once the issue is about writing and books, his energy is always unflagging, and this disposition actually defines his love for literary works.  

As he turns 50th on March 24, Azuh has decided to mark his day with two new books that speak eloquently about his art. The works also address creativity, innovation, courage, adventure, success and motivation. One of the most interesting things about the works is that they are not only engaging and entertaining, they are also capable of changing the reader’s life forever. 

For instance, A TASTE OF SUCCESS, one of the books, contains amazing and life-changing success stories of uncommon goal-getters and professionals who dot Nigeria’s horizon. No one reads this important book and encounters Olusegun Osoba, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Sam Ohuabunwa, Gamaliel Onosode, Okey Ndibe, Seni Adetu, among others, without learning one or two enduring lessons. 

On the other hand, CONVERSATIONS WITH SHOWBIZ STARS is another interesting work on show business and the major actors. The reader, obviously begins to feel what awaits him or her from the book’s assertive rider: How to make it in the glittering and glamorous world of music, movies and comedy. The music arm of the book parades great musicians of all time like Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, 2Face Idibia and others, while the movies and comedy sections bring at close quarters, showbiz stars like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Pete Edochie, Ali Baba, Okey Bakassi, Julius Agwu, Gbenga Adeyinka, Basketmouth and others who are changing Nigeria’s entertainment industry. 

There is something about Azuh, the interesting character we celebrate today and his rendezvous with destiny. In 1990 at Victoria Island Secondary School, Lagos where he had his secondary education, he won a writing competition organized by Rotary International. From there, he went ahead to study Mass Communication and ended up a journalist and a Rotarian. 

Clearly, he loves his life. “I am sure if I have the privilege of coming around in another world, I will travel this route. I must confess, journalism has given me nearly everything I wanted. And I will continue to be grateful to Almighty God, the profession and the people who encouraged me. Let me also add that I am extremely happy to be 50. As a child, I thought turning 50 was far away but here I am, happy and ready to have a taste of 50 and even beyond. I must say that the greatest joy at 50, comes from my family, both nuclear and extended”.  

Obviously, the happiness and excitement Azuh feels is already rubbing off on his friends and well-wishers who have promised to make his day grand. On his part, he is also leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to celebrate himself and his journalism career, a profession that has taken him places.       

The event, which promises to be a banger, holds at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. And the celebrant, who is acquainted with people of influence, will be banking on the tremendous goodwill and friendship he enjoys across professions, ethnic, cultural, social and political divides on that day. 

Enyi, happy birthday in advance!

– Asoya is a top journalist in Nigeria.