“ Good afternoon, you are all welcome to the school,” Chief Onuora Nzekwu said with a deep breath after adjusting himself on his seat, his arms resting deftly on his walking stick. Yet it was not a school. The audience, comprising mainly members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Chapter had waited eagerly for this moment. The pen merchants recently honoured the octogenarian author of popular novel, Eze Goes to School, Chief Onuora Nzekwu at its monthly reading held at the National Theatre.

Nzekwu’s arrival in company of his wife of 48 years, Madam Justina Nzekwu few minutes after commencement of the event changed the momentum of the literary gathering as members of the association received him with a standing ovation. Also in the entourage was one of the celebrant’s daughters, Carol Nwanne Ofodile.

Earlier, Chike Ofili, Chairman of Lagos ANA, Lagos reiterated ANA’s commitment to improving capacity by creating foras where its members can draw on the experience of accomplished authors such as Chief Nzekwu. Setting the tone for the evening was a short poem entitled Refugee by Tunji Adekoya, a South African based writer. Adekoya’s offering generated a number of reactions from the audience who were keen on seeking the right interpretation to the piece.
Extolling the virtues of the author, Prof. M. A. Ajomo, University Don described the aged author as a rare meticulous character as well as a man of integrity.

“ We got close when we both worked on the landlord association committee. We always had problems with the treasury and we needed a capable hand. Chief Nzekwu volunteered for the position and there has never been any occasion for mis-management. He is very meticulous and he keeps detailed records of things,” Ajomo explained.

On her 48 years marriage experience with the celebrated author, Madam Justina Nzekwu, said “ There is nothing different about our marriage that makes it special than any other”, she noted, adding “ in those days, we were brought up to recognize the man as the head because two captains cannot lead one ship.” “ When we got married, the first appeal he made to me was that I should not play with his books. He prefers that I provide money and other valuables if thieves attacked us than his books. Whenever he writes I have learnt not to disturb him, not even under the guise of providing him with food.”

“ He was a chain smoker early in our marriage. He always had his pipe or cigar on while writing or reading. Whenever he writes, I don’t even greet him because he won’t answer. I got used to it with time and some times, he used to give me his manuscript to read.”

She was quick to advise women who are married to writers, “ From my experience, I think whoever marries a writer must have patience. Even as a wife, I have to obtain permission from him before borrowing any of his books and he always enters this in his register. The morale is simple; keep whatever your man appreciates and values most.”

Chief Nzekwu who was in a traditional attire with a red cap to match said “ You will not find me in Eze Goes To School but you will find some of me in the first four chapters of Blade Among The Boys. What you see in Eze Goes To School is purely imaginative.”

Nzekwu who has become a cultural ambassador for the Igbo nation is still very much in touch with his roots. “ These days, my passion do more of conducting research and write on the Igbo culture particularly the Onitsha people from where I hail.”

“ My pastime is to listen to music and do more of creative writing. I don’t plan to retire from writing. At each time, there is always a work in progress.”

Probed more about the kind of music and his favourite authors among the new crop of writers, Chief Nzekwu who served for many years in the civil service said, “ in the last one year plus, I am supposed to be on pension but the Federal Government has been busy fighting NICON Insurance. So, until I have enough money, I may not be able to purchase books from these new authors.”