Owei-Ilagha commends Afenfia on sixth published novel

PIONEER Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Bayelsa State chapter, Prince Nengi Josef Owei-Ilagha has hailed the publication of a new novel by a former chairman of the association in the state, Michael Afenfia. The new book entitled Leave My Bones In Saskatoon brings to six the number of novels by Afenfia.

“He is good with titles,” said Owei-Ilagha, “and his sense of plotting is excellent. I confess that I have not read his first novel, When The Moon Caught Fire, but I testify to his narrative strength because I have read three of his novels, namely A Street Called Lonely, Don’t Die on Wednesday, and The Mechanics of Yenagoa.

Michael Afenfia

“Since then he has written Rain Can Never Know, and now comes Leave My Bones In Saskatoon. I can only say that Afenfia is a blessing to Bayelsa State. His output is truly impressive, and the quality of his work is assured. He upholds, in practice, the ideals for which ANA was established. I look forward to my personal copy.”

The prince also sent his congratulations to Ebinyo Gilbert Ogbowei, a consummate poet, lecturer, pastor, and former chairman of ANA Bayelsa, on the public presentation of his new book of poems, Moods of a Wounded River. “I am under obligation to applaud him, even if I was not invited to the occasion,” said Owei-Ilagha.

“In fact, I have come to realize that I can’t reach him because my name was removed from the platform of a writers’ body that I started in Bayelsa. The fact still remains that I handed over to Ogbowei. The irony cannot be missed. Even so, I have always shown respect for his art from the days of his first book of poems entitled Let The Honey Run, and I look forward to reading his new book. Good writing does not set barriers, and that’s the way it should be.”