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At Sakadeli book launch, truth shines
By Austin Inyang
It was indeed a tribute to truth recently at the launch of the book, Sakadelli, by the communications practitioner, Uri Ngozichukwuka.
A riveting compendium of tales, the book was formally presented to the public on Tuesday, December 1, at The Wheatbaker, a classy, upmarket leisure establishment located in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The exquisitely designed venue played host to an equally classy gathering of literati, book lovers, media icons, stars of the stage and screen, and friends of Uri Ngozichukwuka on the occasion of the formal presentation of ‘Sakadelli: So When is it Okay?’
The event was graced by accomplished individuals from various walks of life – including two former Nigerian federal ministers, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, who served as the chairman of the occasion, and Dr. Uma Eleazu, who was the special guest of honour.
Anchored by veteran journalist and compere, Patrick Oke, the short but colourful event featured a series of activities not normally associated with book presentations, such as highly insightful interpretations of portions of the book by notable Nigerian thespians such as the legendary Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Nollywood actors Bimbo Akintola and Gloria Anozie-Young, among others.
In his keynote speech, the chairman, Dr. Kalu, a globally renowned economist who served as Nigeria’s finance minister in the 1980s and 90s, shed light on the essence of absolute truth and its power to transform lives. Focusing on contemporary African society, the former minister lamented the entrenchment of falsehood in public life, and commended the author for laying bare the unspoken truths behind the female experience in this part of the world.
The highlight of the occasion was the formal launch of the book and subsequent purchase of copies by attendees. ‘Sakadelli: So When is it Okay? is a novel in verse which traverses the entire range of the experience of the woman and girl-child in Nigeria. Drawing heavily from the author’s personal life journey, it takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, from the trauma of war, to the loss of sexual innocence and maturity, and to marriage and motherhood, among other topics. The stories are told with clarity and vision, humour and deep sympathy for the human condition.
The book takes its title from a song by the legendary Nigerian singer, Commander Ebenezer Obey. Sakadelli is a corruption of the word ‘Psychedelic’ which the young Uri had adopted as a nickname while in her teens.
The closing remarks were given by Dr. Kalu, who expressed his delight at the sheer innovativeness of the launch event and called for more openness and creativity in society as a panacea for our current ills as a nation.
The special guest of honour brought the occasion to a close with a short closing prayer.
The author, Uri, is a media entrepreneur and content solutions provider, as well as a presenter and singer/songwriter. A highly sought after public speaker, she is a mother and grandmother.
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