MAURICE OKAFOR writes that a writer cum Publisher ,Mr Dilibe Onyeama, who has been consistent in the art of writing and publishing books since the past three decades says he is not giving up in the industry amidst biting hard times in the economy. The writer who also is the brain behind ‘Delta book Publishers tasked his fellow Publishers to be creative as a strategy of surmounting the harsh economic realities so as to remain in business.
He insists that many Nigerians are still interested in reading books. Therefore, it bounds on the Publisher to devise means of reaching his targeted audience and aspiring writers since everybody has one story or the other to tell.
Dilibe Onyeama dropped this hints in a chat with The AUTHORITY South East post, at the occasion of the celebration of the 11th edition of Coal City book Convention , an annual event which he usually marks in recognition of literary works. But at the event of 11th edition held at Peekay Gardens, New haven,Enugu, Mr Dilibe Onyeama, went further to present a magazine he named ‘The Writer’ to members of the public.
He disclosed that the magazine which will be produced quarterly is an additional initiative in delta book publications and another way of telling the Publishers stories.
The 11th edition of Coal city book convention organised by Mr Dilibe Onyeama in addition to the presentation of ‘The Writer Magazine ‘ to the public and showcasing of different books co authored by Onyeama,published under Delta Books, also bestowed award on two eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the academia, most especially in the teaching profession. The awardees are Professor Michael Iloeje, a former Rector of the Institute of Management of Science and Technology[IMT] and Dame Ebue Jacinta Chioma, the current Principal of Urban Girls Secondary School, Enugu.
Dilibe Onyeama said both were considered for the award of excellent bestowed on them at the 11th Coal city book convention based on the contributions to the development of Education and teaching profession, both in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
Professor Michael Iloeje has taught at Floriad University,USA after his PHD studies before returning to Nigeria. He is also a recipient of Kwame Nkrumah award. Dame Mrs Ebue, the current Principal of Urban Girls Secondary School Enugu ,won the first over all runner up in Schools administration in ‘School Administration’. She was decorated at Abuja on October 5,2020, among others by the representative of the President, at an event to mark the 2020 World Teachers Day in Nigeria.
