By Chris Onuoha

The author of Soul and Spirit, Joe-Blaise Nnaemeka Akanazu, has said the book will contribute significantly to reviving the reading culture among secondary school students in Nigeria.

Akanazu stated this at the weekend while speaking with literary journalists, describing Soul and Spirit as a collection of motivational and educational poems.

Akanazu, a Germany-based international development expert, writer and insurance guru, disclosed that already, some secondary schools in the country have adopted some of the poems in the collection for use during the morning assembly and devotions as well as for class competitions.

Some of the schools that currently use the poems, according to Akanazu, include Bethel Seminary, Nekede, Imo State, True Vine International Academy, St Brigid’s Girls’ Grammar School, Asaba, Delta State, among others, adding that more secondary schools have also indicated interest.

“The culture of recitations during morning assembly in schools is dead, but with schools adopting Soul and Spirit, that culture is coming back and we see this reviving the reading culture among students,” he said.

Soul and Spirit, a collection of 120 poems from over 500 poems written over a number of years, will be unveiled to the reading public on January 8, 2025 at Jubilee Hall, Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The public presentation will be attended by the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Johncliff Nwadike, as the special guest of honour, while renowned artist Paddy Obinna will be the book reviewer.

Also, US-based pharmacist and philanthropist, Dr Uche Perry Ekwunazu, will chair the event, while a former Director of Police Affairs Abuja, Prof. Mazi Ojiaku, will be the special guest.

The event will be moderated by the Director of Entrepreneurial Skills Development Centre and the former registrar, Gregory University Uturu, Dr Okey Onukah, assisted by Dr Chisimdi Udoka Ihentuge.