ANA Lagos Gives Dead Roses on Val

Dead Roses by Kemi

Rebecca Ejifoma

To keep the youths abuzz with writings of love and keep them abreast of sharing such moments together (Valentine), the Association of Nigeria Authors Lagos (ANA), presented Kemi Omowaire’s Dead Roses at its official Annual Special Valentine Reading.

Several youths and old writers mounted the podium at the Valentine Reading to express the meaning of their poems, which held at the Board Room, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Akoka at the weekend.

According to the chairman of the Association, Mr Onileagbon Femi, at the event titled, Writings with Love, as the thematic preoccupation of the day is dedicated to love writers. “We give writers the opportunity to mount the stage and breathe life into these characters they have created.”                                                                                

Therefore, several poets including upcoming ones, playwrights and publishers even literary enthusiasts graced the event to give their perspectives through performances, readings, comments and suggestions. “We are trying to boost the literary impulse in our members so that they go out there and be the top notch,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the main course of the day was the public presentation of Kemi Omowaire's new book, Dead Roses. This is an intriguing book on love and loving and has a great message for both "valentiners" and "valentined." A creative write up that builds the characters form in a prosaic style, Dead Roses expounds the youthful life of friendship, relationship, love and all that they entail.

Onileagbon, who read his poem, “And You Said I Shouldn’t Touch?” said, “ANA Lagos wanted to mend broken hearts and help timid hearts find courage to declare hoarded affections. I really hope that, having heard these love poems today in honour of the day, all will go home loved and beloved.”

However the lengthy words, reading through pages of Kemi’s book, there were several breakers that thrilled the participants. Also, the final piece of pleasure from the WordMiners, a talented new duet, was exuded as well as a business seminar after the valentine session.