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IT was a dream come true last week,when Godwin Ekpe, a geologist turned poet, launched his two poetry books, The Mirror of Self and The Soul of a Poet, at the Utimanik Suites in the oil-rich city of Eket, Akwa Ibom state, amidst pumps and pageantry.
The 1998 graduate of Geology from the University of Calabar and Masters degree holder in Geophysics from the University of Port Harcourt , who has exhibited profound literary abilities, had the presentation of his debut books of poetry, attracting the cream of the academic world as well as eminent activists around the state.
Dignitaries at the launch included Hon. Enobong Asubop, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, former Commissioner at AKISSIEC; Chief Etim Anwana, Rtd Superintendent of Police and representative of the Chief Launcher; Chief Bassey Etto, Chairman/MD of Etto Oil and Gas Ltd. Others were, Rt Hon. Bassey Essien, former Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Hon. Aniedi Ikoiwak, Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State who chaired the occasion, Chief (Engr) Bassey Itama, former Public Affairs Manager, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unltd (co-launcher), the poet’s parents Mrs. and Mrs. Ekpe among others.
In his review, Ndii Ehiri, a writer and scholar said The Soul of a Poet portrays the author as “a man of many parts, a voracious reader, and from all indications, a richly gifted personality who handles with dexterity, a wide range of subject matter in his poetry”. Ehiri also described the collection The Mirror of Self as the poet-narrator’s reminiscences as well as the outpouring of his experiences in a fast changing but unjust society.
Speaking at the event, Comrade John Ukam, Director of the Total Human Rights Research Action Group described Ekpe’s poetic venture as extra-ordinary writing.
On his part, Dr. Joseph Ushie, Head of Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Uyo, who is also chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) described The Soul of a Poet as very captivating, adding that, “I was thrilled by the author’s depth of thought, use of words and rhyme scheme”.
Dr Ushie further read excerpts from the The Soul of a Poet titled, ‘The Garden of Love’ and ‘June Babies’, before enjoining all lovers of art to dig deep into Ekpe’s works so as to appreciate his inspiring thoughts and emotions.
The author’s vote of thanks which rapped up the show was presented in the form of a poem recitation.
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