By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Writing, writers and books have been described as very important factors in shaping the society and making the world a better place to live.

The Secretary to the State Government in Anambra State, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu made the assertion while speaking at the public presentation, unveiling and launching of the book "Heart of the Brave" by Anthony Ughenu, which took place in Awka the Anambra State capital.

Prof. Chukwulobelu, who noted that writing requires discipline, research, critical thinking and lots more, called for encouragement of writing and writers in the society, even as as he congratulated the author of the book, Mr. Ughenu, for taking time.

He decried the dwindling reading culture in the society, and advised parents to always start early to inculcate good reading culture in the lives of their children, as importance of reading in the society can never be overemphasized.

Reviewing the book, the Clerk, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Pius Udoh described the 218-paged novel as a powerfully written and engaging literary works which explores the values, custom and more of traditional Igbo society, and has some interesting documentation of life in the traditional Igbo history, with Obidike the great warrior of Dike town, as its central character.

He said, "In a way, the novel can be said to be a reaction to the need for the Igbos to tell own story rather than risk the demeaning and bastardization of the history by outsiders. I strongly recommend "Heart of the Brave" as a good read to everyone either to know or to be refreshed with the robust and resilient lifestyle of the Igbos before the advent of colonialism."

In their separate remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Petroleum and Union Matters, Comrade Peter Nwosu; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Services, Hon. Nwabufor Nwankwo, and the MD/CEO of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Chief Jude Emecheta, congratulated the author, and harped on the need for improved reading culture and encouragement of writers and writing in the society.

On his own part, the MD/CEO of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation (ANPC), Sir Chuka Nnabuife described Anambra State as the headquarters of writing in Africa, and noted that both he and ANPC were committed to promoting writing and creative arts in general, even as he called he called on others to emulate same, owing to its numerous benefits to the society, the humanity and the generations to come.

In a vote of thanks, the author, Mr. Ughenu, who is also the author of "On the Verge" appreciated everyone who had come to support and show him solidarity, and specially extolled the Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation for publicising the event, both before, during and after.

He said, "I feel humbly honoured, beholding the great number of people who came here today to support me and share in my joy; and I appreciate everyone who has contributed to the success of the event, praying that the Almighty God will reward them immensely. Indeed, I feel greatly encouraged to do more."

Chaired by Chief Dan Ezeanwu, the well-attended event drew participants from both government institutions, religious body, youths associations, among others.