NIIA Agog As ‘Kanu: The Last Aro King’ Debuts

CHUKA UBAH

The lecture theatre of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, NIIA, KofoAbayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, witnessed an unusual gathering of political, economic and social heavyweights on Friday 6th September 2019, for the public presentation of the book ‘Kanu: The Last Aro King’.

Kanu: The Last Aro King is an exciting historical and cultural novel authored by Ernie Onwumere and published by the reputable Ibadan based Kraft Books Limited with a foreword written by Professor OkoroIjoma.

The public presentation of the book was anchored by Ogbonnia Okereke under the Chairmanship of Chief Ben Okoye, Chairman DSV Group. The presentation was done by Uche Orji, the Managing Director, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, while Prof Ngozi Osarenren of the University of Lagos was the book reviewer. The Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, was represented by Mr. Kelechi Ekugo.

Prof Ngozi Osarenren, the reviewer, took the audience through the fourteen chapters of the book and threw more light on its rich cultural and historical content commending the author for telling the story in a compelling and easy to read manner. She concluded her review by recommending ‘Kanu: The Last Aro King’ without reservations to all those who sincerely seek the deep knowledge of the Aro people and their culture.

The Host Royal Father, His Majesty Mazi OgbonnayaOkoro, CFR, Eze Aro, ably represented by Prince Joshua Kanu Oji, in his speech, thanked the author, Ernie Onwumere, for documenting for posterity the rich cultural values of the Aro people.

The book presentation attracted dignitaries from far and wide including Sir Victor Ike Okoronkwo, the chief host, the former bank chief and gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Dr. Alex Otti, former Managing Director of NAMA, Elder Nnamdi Udoh, Mazi Emma Ivi former President General of Nzuko Arochukwu, Alexx Ekubo, many Nollywood actors, actresses, movie producers, directors and many prominent Aro sons and daughters.

According to the author of the book, Ernie Onwumere, Kanu: The Last Aro King is a historical fictional representation of an epochal phase in the history of ancient Arochukwu Kingdom and he needed to document most of them for the future generation. He said that the next stage of the book will be for it to be turned into a movie and he is already working with renowned movie producers in that direction.

The representative of the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, commended the author for his ability to utilize his training at the institute while describing him as a good ambassador.

High points of the event were the rendition of Aro National Anthem, the traditional presentation of kola nut to different individuals and groups, the official unveiling of the book and appreciation of the author by dignitaries present and represented, a cultural performance by FAYA Lagos group and comments from the audience.