GUESS WHO? I JUST ATTRACTED A NEW READER

"Many of you will not pay your bills from a job that is related to what I teaching you in this class," Mr Iwuala said in his usual didactic tone during an Immunology class. He was my university lecturer in the Department of Public Health at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

It was my last year in school. A tiny voice within me whispered, "Jay, you are in this category."

How dare you? I swore under my breath during the same class. Every time I reflect on that moment, I just can't help laughing. Truly, I have not been so much involved in the health sector until lately when I started writing health articles to bring my 'prodigal self' closer to home.

This year, I promised myself to put my thoughts in prints and have people read them amidst giggles, anger, laughter and tears. So, I proceeded to have Ekwensu's Harvest in prints.

Have you read it?

Reviews and encomiums have been pouring in. I wouldn't lie that I have not been happy about that feat. However, I was most bothered about how to attract another reader into my fold of avid readers.

No, it's not Dangote, Otedola or Soyinka. It's my father.

I and my father have often had 'not-too-pleasurable' situations as a result of writing. He called it a 'waste of time.' After the publishing of Ekwensu's Harvest, I could not show him the work. I was not certain of what reaction I 'd get till last week.

I had made up my mind to give him a copy irrespective of what he thought.

I remember getting home and after roaming around the house for a while. I walked into the living room and met him burrowed in his newspaper.

"Dad!" I called out.

"Hmmmm!" There was a grunt. He hesitated then lifted his face to meet mine. I placed his copy into his palm and watched his face for a reaction.

His reaction was a shock, a sudden unexplainable calmness and then a smile when he looked at the author's name.

"When did you do this?" He enquired.

I responded. His smile still lingered.

It didn't end there for me. I wanted to know if the smile was superficial. So, I waited till morning to see if what the night had birthed was real.

The next morning was Sunday. I was getting set for church when I heard a knock on my door.

"Daddy, Good morning!"

"Uhumm! Kedu?" He said peering into my face for perhaps some kind of reaction. I figured out he had seen what he wanted. Our awkward silence most times speaks a lot of words.

"I am hoping to read your next book this year, okwa ya?"

I nodded. He smiled and one thing was sure that I had gotten the avid reader I wanted.

It is not in our place to force people to believe in us. When they don't, it is not their fault neither is it ours. Our fault lies in putting in the work to give them something to believe in even without being cajoled.

Share your thoughts about this piece with me in the comment section. I look forward to reading from you.

If you intend getting a copy of Ekwensu's Harvest

Click on the link below:

https://mailchi.mp/c034dcdf0a7e/jenniferifeatu

Or reach me via Whatsapp: +2348035725157

Email: andrewifeatuj@gmail.com

WHY I WON'T BE BUYING ANYTHING AGAIN FOR A LIFETIME

Heads up, people! Walking into a shop to purchase an item does not look appealing to me anymore. This is one of my decisions for the new year being that if something is not worth it then there is no point buying it especially trying to impress another fellow. I have chosen to stick to buying experiences rather 'things.' One of my observation is that experiences cannot be stolen or compromised. They stick like your gum sap sticks to a tree. So maybe before you buy that expensive Emporio Armani wristwatch or Jimmy Choo shoes, it might be imperative to checkmate if there are experiences that same amout can buy you. Don't get me wrong, it is as clear as crystal that you need to shop for clothings, food, phones or luxury from time to time but bear in mind that your happiness can't be tied to any item. That vibe you get is nothing but a fleeting one . “One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation,” Thomas Gilovich reveals. “We buy ...

MONEY MATTERS: SMALL STEPS TO 'SECURING THE BAG'

"I am chilling on the throne, I am an old man in a young body," were the lyrics a popular Nigerian musician lent to our approving nods and dancing feet a couple of years ago. Little did I know that I 'd have to make reference to him at a point in time. If you are a young person and you are at a loss on how to get your 'money game' rolling in this era then you are a young man in an old body. 'Man' here does not literally refer to the male gender. It points out to both genders. Technology came with communication, social media, a spin around our not-so-great photography game but it came with Fintech too which is an innovative use of technology in the design and delivery of financial services and products. The application of fintech cuts across multiple business segments, including lending, advice, investment management and payments. Fintech is actually fast being chased by her brother TechFin. What are all these jargons that I am even ta...

HOW I RESOLVED MY BEEF WITH MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS

One of the group of people I detested coming in contact with as an undergraduate in the university were motivational speakers. I actually came up with a quote that some of my old friends from university still remind me of, "Motivational speakers are folks who speak words that can charge three laptops, five phones and two power banks then the whole power fizzles away in a minute." My mindset had been wired that my inspiration should come from these motivational speakers. In my first and second year, I would attend any event I got an invite just to get inspired. However, when I got to my third year, I knew I was basically wasting my time. So I resorted to resentment for motivational speakers. With time, I found a way of tapping my inspiration from the sports world. So, I would watch tennis, football, boxing, wrestling and basketball. At the time, it was the 'real deal' for me. The truth I found later was that these guys were just like the gods in Ola Rotimi...

JENNIE IFEATU

Search This Blog