N20m realized during launch of Igwe Ekwueme's latest book

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By Madu Obi

An estimated sum of N20 million was realized during the launching of a book, 'Before the Curtain Falls', written by the doyen of Arts in Nigeria and Professor of Music, Igwe Laz Ekwueme, who is the traditional ruler of Oko Community, Orumba North local government area.

The well - attended event took place at the magnificent International Conference Centre, Awka . The book contains 26 Christmas Carols in seven Nigerian languages

The highest sum of N3.25 million was donated by Barr. Ifekandu Okafor, while Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and the Primate, Christ Holy Church International and President, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), His Eminence, Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, donated N2.5million each.

Those that donated N1 million were Chief Vin. Obianodo, Chief Obi Okafor and Chief Felix Ezeamama, while others donated between N500,000 and N50,000.

The Chairman of the occasion and former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, extolled the intellectual depth of Igwe Laz Ekwueme whose pioneering musical activity raised a generation of musicologists both in Nigeria and Africa.

He also paid glowing tribute to the Ekwueme family, including Prof. Obumneme Ekwueme who taught him Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and his elder brother, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s former Vice-President who, he said, mentored the entire Nwodo family in politics.

The former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election in the country, Mr. Peter regretted that great intellectuals in the mould of Igwe Laz Ekwueme were neglected, undermined and undervalued in Africa, unlike in the Western world and called on the Nigerian youths to emulate the sterling qualities and achievements of Igwe Ekwueme.

The book reviewer, Prof. Onyee Nwankpa of the Department of Music, University of Port-Harcourt, described the book as a unity project that “exhibits artistic prowess, peace and social integration in Nigeria through choral music performance and sharing, as well as the Christian philosophy of the composer”.

He eulogized the outstanding contributions of the composer and editor of the book for his contribution to musical development in Nigeria, stating that Igwe Ekwueme made significant impact to indigenous choral works, both secular and sacred.

The book launch attracted a cross-section of prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, the academia, as well as captains of industry, friends and well-wishers in the country.

The Governor of Anambra State Prof. Charles Chukwuema Soludo was the Chief Host.

Prominent traditional rulers that attended include the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman Emeritus of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, His Majesty Chidubem Iweka III, Igwe Obosi and His Majesty, Israel Osita Okeke-Ezue, Igwe Awa , who is the Chairman, Orumba North Traditional Rulers Council.