BY JAPHET ALAKAM

As Nigerian youths joined their counterparts all over the world to celebrate the world youth day , one issue that topped their discussions was their neglect by the various governments. But one person who did not totally agree with them on the issue, is young inspirational writer Seyi Oke, who in her new book titled A Time to Heal urged them tothink positively.

Despite the challenges of motherhood, Seyi Oke still came out with her new book titled A Time to Heal , an inspirational fictional representation of the society . The 176 page book published by Westbow Press USA, is an inspirational novel set in early 60’s Africa.

The author, Seyi Oke (4th from left) with the book ambassadors

The story borders on the tale of two young lovers, Tori and Chidi, bound by the covenant of marriage but separated by the realities of ethnic differences. The book then sets out to show the healing power of forgiveness and love while tasking all to embrace the multicultural nature of African society, appreciate its diversity and re-evaluate its glitches.

Interacting with the press during the presentation in Lagos, Seyi charged Nigerian youths to stop complaining, rise up from their slumber and face the stark realities of life.

The event which was well attended by youths and other lovers of book afforded them another opportunity to reflect on the position of the youths in the country.

The unique presentation kicked off with the reading of a poem titled Our Greatest Fear by the moderator, Bukunmi Omidiran, thereafter the video documentation of why I love A Time to Heal, an account of people’s comment about the book and the characters was presented to the audience.

This was followed by an interesting reading by Chiedu Ifeozo, who read the short prologue titled 1960 and the chapter two of the book. The reader who is also an author, through his excellent reading presented a good understanding of what the book is all about, a fight for identity.

The young author of Love’s Lie and Debie’s Diary in her remarks thanked all for coming to the event,especially those who have been following her in her book journey. She gave special thanks to her husband for understanding how to work with a creative writer and to her little boy who kept her awake always to continue the work.

Oke said that it is not enough for the youths to be blaming the old generation for what is going on in the country as they will soon become old generation and the youths of that generation will still blame them for not achieving anything. The book according to her is her own humble contribution to this generation . “We want our generation to get involved , before now, we have been comfortable with blaming people that have gone before saying that they made Nigeria what it is today.

But the central message of the book is that it is time for every one to get involved in the decision making process of this country. It is not enough for us to take decisions on tribe, religion or different stereotypes rather we should start making decisions that is important to us as a nation.’’ She added.

The book talks about how the decision some one made affected the entire country, the family, the society and relationships. Time to Heal is telling us that “ we have a bigger picture, we have a vast society so, let us begin to look at something that binds us together. It is important for us to forget about tribe, culture and other issues that divide us and make decisions based on values.”

The panel of reviewers made up of Chiedu Ifeozo, Patricia Ehidero and Moses Ida- Micheals linked the theme to the socio- political problems in Nigeria and said that Nigeria should do away with the tribal issues that only divide us but look at people individually and value them on what they are.

They also charged the youths to add their voice to the politics of the country because the more they keep quiet, the more touts continue to rule over them.