Why I write for Igbo
traders
By SAM ANOKAM
Tuesday,
October 2, 2007
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Okpala
Photo: Sun News Publishing |
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The quest for education and knowledge has no age limit neither
is it the preserve of a few. Some people achieve greatness
and recognition today not only by virtue of their education,
but by solid personal achievements. Such people attained success
by bracing all odds.
Christopher Okpala’s resilience in towing the path of
greatness is a different story entirely. Although he boasts
of only a Secondary School Leaving Certificate, this writer
has a tall dream. He wants to be many things rolled into one.
For instance, his passion for writing has propelled him into
publishing five works in a month. Coupled with that is Okpala’s
aversion for people’s errorneous impression that most
businessmen are inconsequential because of their low level
of education.
Okpala is an author, businessman, motivational speaker, musician,
publisher and editor in chief of Traders’ Voices, a
news bulletin. Currently, he is working on another project
entitled, Understanding the Lord’s Prayer. Okpala revealed
that although he started with nothing, he will not relent
in his efforts to impact on his generation and beyond.
Why I write
I write to enlighten people about some things they are ignorant
of. Aside that, I write to inspire, inform, educate and revive
the dying reading culture in the society. I also write to
sharpen my skills and to correct some of the erroneous impressions
about illiterate businessmen.
Published books
They are five. It took me one month to complete the books.
They include: Eze returns to School which is a follow up to
Eze goes to school by Onuora Nzekwu and Michael Crowther.
This version is about me and my way of encouraging illiterate
businessmen to go back to school, especially the Igbo traders.
Others are, Path to riches, Success tips, Be one Satan and
Be healed.
Inspiration
I get inspired by things around me. I don’t like the
way Igbo businessmen are looked down upon in the society in
spite of their contributions. Without mincing words, there
are many educated people who have not achieved what many of
the so-called illiterate businessmen have achieved. I am concerned
about those who are tormented spiritually by demons. That
is why I wrote Be gone. I am also interested in the prosperity
of people in life. I try to address issues of everyday challenges
of life.
When I write
I don’t have a specific time for writing because you
cannot stop the flow of inspiration when it comes. Anytime
something drops in me or something catches my attention, whether
in a bus or on wheels, I’ll park my car and scribble
some things.
Challenges
I don’t write voluminous books because most Nigerians
hardly read. If you write volumes, you may not appeal to many
people. Whether you are in your car, or in an aircraft, you
can finish any of my books before you reach your destination.
The other issue has to do with funding. You can’t go
into publishing without money. But with little supports here
and there, I’ve been able to complete the books.
Role model
I don’t have a role model but I love journalism. I buy
newspapers everyday even from my childhood days. I can say
that Femi Adesina of The Sun is my role model.
I don’t miss his column every week.
Advice
With God all things are possible. If God has deposited something
in you, I have no reason to be intimidated by another person’s
credentials. As long as you have something to offer, just
go ahead and do it.
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