The book launch of Roses & Prickles, authored by Chizitere Madeleine Nwaemesi, took place today, September 4th, 2024, at the FCT Department of Policy, Planning Research, and Statistics (DPPRS) conference hall, located on Maitama Suleiman Street, Asokoro, Abuja. The event was marked by a significant turnout of dignitaries, government officials, and literary enthusiasts, who gathered to celebrate the young author’s debut.
Chizitere Nwaemesi, currently serving as a youth corper with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the Department of Higher Education, presented her novel, which poignantly addresses the themes of love, pain, genotype, and marriage. The book is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities involved in choosing a life partner, with a strong emphasis on the importance of considering genotype compatibility before making the lifelong commitment of marriage. In her dedication, Chizitere noted, “You can choose a life partner, but children cannot choose their parents. The quality of your child’s well-being is entirely your responsibility.”
The launch event was hosted by Mr. Siyanbola O. Olawale, Director of the FCT Department of Higher Education, and saw the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Joseph Abunike, Director of the FCT DPPRS, and Dr. (Mrs.) Hajjiya Neemat Abdulrahim, Director of the Education Resource Center (ERC), who was represented by Ogbonnaya JoyChris. The event also featured Dr. Denja Abdullah, former Director of the National Agency for Art and Culture and past President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), as a key attendee.
The chairman of the event, Dr. Joel Oruche, Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, was represented by Dr. Nkechi T. Okechukwu. Mazi Ben Ezumah, a renowned literary critic, provided an in-depth and insightful review of the book, highlighting its relevance and impact.
In addition to the aforementioned dignitaries, the launch was attended by numerous Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, and other staff members from both the Department of Higher Education and DPPRS. The event was co-organized by Mr. Godwin Okonta, Deputy Director of the Department of Higher Education, who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the launch.
The dignitaries present at the event lauded Chizitere for her bravery and dedication in bringing such an important and timely story to life. They praised the novel for its beauty, impact, and the essential message it conveys, encouraging the young author to continue her literary journey. They emphasized that this is just the beginning for Chizitere and expressed hope that she would produce more works that will resonate with readers and contribute to societal awareness on crucial issues like genotype compatibility in marriage.
The launch of Roses & Prickles was not just a celebration of a new book but also a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about love, marriage, and the responsibilities that come with parenthood. The author’s message of proactive consideration and responsibility in choosing a life partner is expected to resonate with many young, unmarried individuals, the primary audience for whom the book was dedicated.
