It was a day in which journalists turned preachers. A day writers and clerics teamed up to celebrate Godliness and creativity almost at equal levels. The book presentation in honour of Evangelist (Mrs) Moyosola Sokunbi last Saturday in Lagos provided a unique platform for writers, authors and journalists to ponder yet on the role of books and reading on a nation’s development. It also harvested a number of veteran journalists who rekindled their love for their profession, aside taking stock of their achievements in the pen fraternity.

Two books; Victory in His Blood and Waiting Unto the Lord by Mrs Moyosola Sokunbi expectedly ushered the author into the league of writers. And as a way of marking the author’s gallant entry into authorship, her relations, friends and admirers gathered at the Spackle Multipurpose Hall, GRA area of Ikeja for the celebration.

Although the ceremony was slated for 11am, it started about an hour later, owing to the early morning environmental sanitation exercise in the metropolis. But as early as 11:40 am, the duo of Messers Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe were already stationed conspicuously at the entrance of the hall where they received dignitaries on behalf of the author. The two prominent journalists looked smart in their black suits while exchanging pleasantries with the author and her relations.

Shortly afterwards, the guests were heralded into the well-decorated hall with gospel tunes by members of the Authentic Harmony Band. Following this were the two comedians/masters of ceremony who gave the audience a fair dose of rib cracking jokes as prelude to the main show. Their jokes set the right mood for celebration just as dignitaries, including the author were ushered to the high table amid singing and dancing.

While giving the order of presentation as chairman of the occasion, Mr Dimgba Igwe, (Deputy Managing Director of The Sun) admitted the presence of God irrespective of the absence of some of the dignitaries. According to him, God has already ordained people who would grace the occasion and the outcome would expectedly be perfect.

Dimgba however took time to explain the importance of books and reading both to individuals and the nation in general. He lamented the dying culture of writing and reading among Nigerians, as well as the decay of infrastructure that could lead to knowledge acquisition. While commending the author and writers generally, Igwe explained the importance of book presentations, noting however, that the culture of writing and reading is fading among Nigerians as a result of lust after material wealth.

Said Igwe “Ours is a country with vast resources. A country richly endowed but in terms of governance and management of resources, Nigerians ranks among the poorest in the world.’’On the negligence of government to issues of books and knowledge acquisition, Igwe further regretted “In our country, infrastructure is being allowed to decay as if we are still living in the jungle…our kind of leadership has decided to acquire wealth and abandon knowledge such that issues about education, books and reading are now forgotten,’’
He went on to bemoan low standard of education even at tertiary institutions, noting that there is need for writers to document their experiences in the written form, hence the support being rendered the author-Sokunbi.

An eloquent Pastor Efe Akpomudge, the book reviewer said the books are meant for all God fearing people. He described them as good accounts of the author’s experiences, which are also presented in simple English mixed with doses of Yoruba and Pidgin. The two publications, according to him, reflect the author’s unpretentious messages and her articulation of commonsense.

On why he inspired his sister to venture into writing, Awoyinfa said the Holy Ghost has revealed to him that the most important thing in life is for man to serve God and do His will. He drew the analogy of the demise of the American music icon, Michael Jackson, who was an example of a man who gained the whole world but lost his soul. Said Awoyinfa “I welcome my sister into the guild of authors as she has now realized her dream of becoming a writer. Writing is a lonely and painful task, it takes a lot of determination, focus, some elements of madness and the grace of God to write and publish a book.”

While launching the book, the MD of Sun Newspapers denied allegations by one Dr Joseph Awoyinfa that his (Mike Awoyinfa’s) father had nine wives and 46 children. The MD who referred guests to his column in the Saturday Sun of June 27, 2009 said further “ I have no brother by name Joseph. I am just being mistaken for someone else. The fact is that I have no father with nine wives and 46 children. My own father had five children-my three big sisters, myself and my younger brother”.

For Chief Oyebola who spoke passionately about Christian literature, the author has now joined the league of writers with the vision of changing people’s lives. The veteran journalist also described his own life as a miracle because as the only surviving child out of eight siblings, he could not but later in life give his life to Christ even while serving as Editor of Daily Times.

Oyebola painted the picture of his sojourn as a newspaper editor-turned-preacher, in Mushin area of Lagos, and how he has since been close to God till date at 73 years old.
When asked about her inspiration for the two books. Mrs Sokunbi explained that the Earth we live in is not just an ordinary planet. She urged that every man must know and emulate Jesus Christ who died many years ago for the sins of man. Her words “ As a result of my own terrible experience, God inspired me to write and pass messages across to people. Otherwise, I do not consider myself a learned fellow or someone who could write for the larger society. But Jesus Christ has used me to teach His values through the books”.

Also in attendance during the book presentation were Chief Eddie Aderinokun, Mr Ben Bisi Lawrence, Pastor Funsho Soyoye, Mr Louis Odion (MD, Life Newspaper), Chief Agbo Sokunbi (Author’s husband), Evangelist Banjo Towolawi, Mrs Ajua Omilabu, Mr Patric Enilama (Human Resources Manager of The Sun) Mr Lanre Arogundade of the International Press Institute, Mr Ben Memuletiwon Mrs Joy Chinwokwu, Pastor Michael Ekiran, Mrs Bolanle Adedayo and a host of other guests.