Necessity to reshape gender relationships for global development

Title of Book:  The Stake of Gender Inclusivity

Author: Hezekiah James

Publisher: MBK~Darul Hikma Printing Press, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Year Published: 2025

Pages: 162

Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

The Stake of Gender Inclusivity written by Hezekiah James, mirrors gender issues from a broader point of view beyond only concern for women, as many folks generally believe that it is only women that suffer in one way or another in their relationships with men.

The author points that gender issues are not just a women’s issue but a human issue that affects society as a whole. With insightful explanations and reflections, Hezekiah encourages men and women to rethink how they relate to each other and how society can move towards fairness and cooperation. With a periscope on gender relations and social developments, the book highlights the importance of partnership between both genders in building a better society.

The Seven-Chapter book dwells on the following topics: Gender Background Study, Gender Analytical Reviews, Gender Thriving Controversies, Gender Boundary Landmarks, Gender Case Studies, Gender Sensitivity Initiative and Thrilling Gender Approach respectively. Each of the chapters contain subthemes focusing on various perceptions and perspectives of the subject matter. One of such perspectives is the idea that men should not be left out of the conversation about gender equality.

The author highlights the need for men to play an important role in supporting and promoting robust discussion about women rights. He explains that many societies have long believed that gender discussions are meant only for females or feminist activists. Unfortunately, this assumption creates division instead of progress. According to the author, real progress happens when both men and women work together to address social problems. The author clearly states that men must be seen “Not as benefactors, but as active champions of gender initiatives" (pg 1). This statement introduces the main conflict in the book: the misunderstanding that gender equality is a struggle between men and women rather than a shared responsibility.

Based on the foregoing, Dr. DeWayne Frazier, the President of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State, who wrote the 'Foreword' of the book, says that, "We are living in a moment of heightened awareness around gender, identity, and equity. Yet, while progress is visible in some areas, the path toward true gender inclusivity remains incomplete. Deep-seated cultural norms, institutional biases, and systemic inequalities continue to hinder the fulfillment of gender equality around the world. These barriers are not just personal: they are structural. They do not only affect individuals: they undermine entire communities and economies. This is the landscape into which The Stake of Gender Inclusivity enters: not merely as another contribution to the gender discourse, but as a strategic intervention. With more than words, it is about action and how we can be the 
change that is needed."

Therefore, one of the central themes of the book is cooperation. The author explains that gender equality should not be viewed as a competition where one group wins and the other loses. Instead, he emphasizes that progress can only happen when both sides respect and understand each other. As the author explains, “Gender engagement is not a zero sum game, where progress for one gender equates loss for another” (pg 1). This idea forms the foundation of the book’s message. Rather than blaming men for social problems or portraying women as powerless victims, the book encourages mutual respect and shared responsibility. The author presents men and women as partners who both have important roles to play in shaping society.

Furthermore, the author makes use of real everyday people in society by discussing the roles played by men, women, and families in shaping gender relationships. These roles help the reader understand how gender attitudes are learned and passed from one generation to another. Emphasis on the role of the household as the place where many beliefs about gender are first developed is one of the meats and potatoes in the book. Here, the author says meaningful change begins at the personal level, where individuals reflect on their attitudes and behaviors. By focusing on everyday relationships between men and women, Hezekiah makes the discussion more relatable and easier for readers to understand.

One other noteworthy quality of the book is its logical structure. It begins with personal reflections and gradually expands into broader discussions about culture, religion, law and other social institutions. By examining influences such as traditions, religious teachings, and legal systems, the author shows that attitudes about gender are shaped not only by individuals but also by larger social structures. This approach helps readers to understand why gender inequality continues to exist in many societies. He emphasizes that solving it requires cooperation and collective effort. The author also encourages open dialogue between men and women, suggesting that honest conversations can help reduce misunderstandings while strengthening relationships.

Moreover, another commendable trait of the book is its balanced approach to gender discussions. Instead of creating division, the author tries to build understanding between both genders. The book encourages men to take responsibility for supporting gender equality while also recognizing the important contributions of women in society. This balanced perspective makes the book thoughtful and constructive. It also promotes the idea that cooperation is more effective than conflict when addressing societal issues.

Hence, in terms of writing style, the author is thoughtful and reflective, combining explanation, social observation, and analysis to discuss gender issues in society. Even though gender issues tend to make many men defensive of their own rights as leaders, the tone and diction of the author remains clear, balanced and easy to understand. These make the ideas he propagates comprehensible to a wide range of readers.

Nonetheless, though the ideas Hezekiah advocates are highly commendable, a few weaknesses are in the delivery of some messages in the text. At some points, the discussion borders on theoretical jingoism, which may make it uneasy for some readers to relate to the ideas. This does not in any way diminish the salient ideas in the book, aimed at promoting peace and cooperation concerning gender relationships and social development. The hallmark of the book is that, gender equality cannot be achieved by one group alone but requires cooperation, understanding, and shared responsibility between men and women.

In conclusion, the author encourages readers to have a rethink concerning their previous ideas about gender differences, and ignite meaningful positive social change, which begins with honest dialogue and mutual respect. Therefore, the book is a highly recommended material for policymakers, religious leaders, sociological scholars, students and anyone interested in social development. The book matters in today’s world as gender debates continue to shape politics, education, religion, and family life.

Hezekiah James is a Nigerian author, educator, entrepreneur, and social inclusion advocate whose works focus on advancing sustainable solutions to social development challenges. Some other of his manuscripts are waiting in line for publication. He attended Perfect Memorial Secondary School, Mwari, and further advanced his studies at the University of Jos, Plateau State where he pursued higher education and expanded his intellectual interests. Various organisations such as the Bauchi State Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, as well as NGOs/CSO etc, have shown interest in The Stake of Gender Inclusivity as a worthy text for education and human relationship improvement. These engagements demonstrate the growing relevance of the book in shaping conversations around inclusive development and social responsibility.

END

 

Musings of pain, love, injustice, perseverance intertwined in Africa

Title of book: Hope in the Shadow of Dream\

Author: Maximumdan Solomon Sambo

Publisher: Moving Tech Integrated Concept, Yola, Adamawa, Nigeria

Year of publication: 2024

Reviewer: Michelle Niyang

Hope in the Shadow of Dream is a collection of inspirational, motivational, and socially conscious poems written by Maximumdan Solomon Sambo. The book contains fifty-five poems segmented into five sections, with section part focusing on important human and societal experiences such as pain, faith, perseverance, patriotism, injustice, love, and hope, especially within the African environment. Through simple but expressive language, the poet attempts to encourage readers to remain hopeful despite the many challenges of life.

The opening section of the collection concentrates on suffering, violence, and emotional trauma. Poems such as The Black Night, The Pain, and You Cannot Live in Pain Forever present disturbing images of loss, fear, and communal tragedy. These poems reflect real social conditions like conflict, insecurity, and human cruelty. However, even within these painful descriptions, the poet gradually introduces the possibility of healing, survival, and divine intervention, showing that darkness does not last forever.

Another dominant theme throughout the book is hope, resilience, and faith in God. Poems like Turning Point, Never Say Never, and Integrity emphasize inner strength, moral character, and spiritual dependence. The poet repeatedly suggests that perseverance, discipline, and trust in God can transform suffering into victory. The motivational tone of these poems makes the message clear and accessible to a wide audience, particularly young people facing uncertainty about the future.

The collection also gives attention to African identity, patriotism, and leadership challenges. In poems such as Africa My Pride, True Nigerian, Stay United, and We Are One, the author celebrates the beauty, strength, and historical struggles of Africa while criticizing corruption, disunity, violence, and poor governance. These poems function as both appreciation and warning, encouraging citizens to embrace unity, responsibility, and national development. This patriotic concern makes the work socially relevant beyond personal reflection.

In addition, the poet addresses gender inequality and injustice against women. Poems like Plight of a Woman and Clamouring for Justice strongly condemn abuse, violence, and denial of women’s rights. The emotional tone in this section highlights the physical, psychological, and social suffering experienced by victims, while also demanding justice and societal change. This reinforces the book’s broader message about human dignity and equality.

The final section shifts toward love, heartbreak, beauty, and emotional relationships, as seen in poems such as Love Speaks, Heartbreak, and Beauty Queen. These poems provide a softer and more intimate conclusion to the collection while still maintaining the central theme of hope and emotional healing. They remind readers that love, despite its pain, remains an essential part of human existence.

One noticeable strength of the book is its clarity of message and sincerity of emotion. The poet uses straightforward language rather than highly complex poetic structures, which makes the poems easy to understand for general readers. Although some poems rely more on repetition and direct expression than deep literary symbolism, the strong moral lessons and emotional honesty give the collection meaningful impact.

In conclusion, Hope in the Shadow of Dream combines personal reflection with social commentary to deliver a message of perseverance, faith, unity, justice, and love. The poems collectively argue that hardship, violence, and disappointment are real parts of human life, yet they do not have the final authority over the human spirit. Instead, hope remains constant even in the darkest situations. Therefore, the collection serves as a reminder that individuals and societies have the responsibility to choose positive transformation. By promoting moral integrity, national unity, respect for women, and trust in God, the poet encourages readers not only to endure life’s struggles but also to contribute to building a better and more compassionate society. For this reason, the book stands as an encouraging literary work that speaks especially to young Africans searching for meaning, strength, and direction in a challenging world.

END

Succeeding beyond all odds

Title of book: Naija Commando

Author: Mike O. Nwangwa

Publisher: Royal Ray International Limited, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Number of pages: 198

Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

 

“Naija Commando” is a memoir of a young Nigerian writer, Mike Nwangwa. It talks about his struggles, resilience and triumphs from his primary education to secondary level at Command Secondary School, Jos, Plateau State, and onward to his tertiary accomplishments.

It is a 198-page book made up of Thirty-Seven Chapters, chronicling his struggles with school choices and overcoming financial challenges, vis-a-vis academic bottlenecks, societal expectations and future aspirations.

The themes in the chapters’ border on the importance of political awareness among young folks and the need to embrace good leadership traits from positive minded administrators and elders in the country.

Youth and entrepreneurship development, positive parenting and association with folks that have good goals oriented aspirations, are part of the meat and potatoes of the book’s musings. These and many other issues showcased in the book reminds the reader about a newly published book that dwells on leadership, inequalities, entrepreneurship and gender issues titled “Colours of Leadership and Inequalities,” edited by Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga.

Through a captivating storytelling style, Mike the author of “Naija Commando” paints a picture of many challenges being faced by a typical Nigerian child, from primary school to tertiary level. With an engaging mixture of humour and salient issues affecting the Nigerian child, the author spreads his experiences from elementary school age to his tertiary attainment. The role good mentoring plays in the life of youths within and outside the school environment is also beamed on with counselling electricity.

Therefore, the book is a metaphor of the average Nigerian youth experiences, in terms of what the author passed through and endured, as he takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride about the ups and downs he wrestled with, in a Nigerian military school and beyond its environment.

Nonetheless, Nigerian youths who did not attend military schools can also relate with the author’s experiences, because they live in the same society where the military schools exist. The tumultuous waters of adolescence and a host of societal challenges and expectations in a country where the youths are continuously disappointed by some socalled elders and elite, from the grassroots to the national leadership system, requires a great deal of resilience to succeed in it.

The author’s diction is very clear for any average reader to understand. This makes the book an interesting read. The content is devoid of mechanical or channel noise; thereby making the reader assimilate the messages or information without psychological noise. The material is therefore highly recommended for Nigerian youths to read and adopt the spirit and need to embrace perseverance and good leadership traits, from any positive-minded politician or administrator in the country; rather than allowing themselves to be used as thugs for the settlement of political parties' disputes and politicians' differences.

Interestingly, despite being a Zoologist, the author has displayed that he is a good story writer, as he holds a first degree in Zoology from the University of Maiduguri, Bornu State, and a master degree in Communication Management from Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

In conclusion, in spite of all the odds he encountered like many other Nigerian youths are still facing, the author has succeeded in various human endeavours, while he is still looking forward to achieving more. This is the hallmark of “Naija Commando”. Other books authored by Nwangwa include “I Believe Miracles Still Happen,” “The Call, The Gift, The Vision,” “Wisdom Of The Treasure Seeker,” “I Plead Guilty,” and “5 Secrets Of Christmas.”

END

 

 

Public toilet dilemma: When facilities exist but still fail

 

With the hindsight of the issues discussed in “The Aftermath (Collection of short stories)” book authored by Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga, this concise article written by Munirah Umar Sadiq, beams on the challenges posed to society by those defecating in open public places, especially in Africa

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In many regions of Nigeria, people still find a quiet place to discharge themselves every day, whether it's by the water, a roadside, or behind a bush. This is the year 2025. Not only is this an unpleasant reality, but it is also a public health emergency, a threat to the environment, and an indication of structural failure. It's time we called it what it is, a national disgrace, to be honest.

Whether we are aware of it or not, open defecation is a major public health concern that has become one of those topics that people either ignore or make fun of. More than 46 million Nigerians continue to defecate in the open, according to UNICEF. That's nearly a whole nation's population. These are more than simply numbers, though. Families, kids, and the elderly are actual individuals who are compelled to live without the comforts of a toilet. Nothing can prepare you for the fact that someone will actually defecate in public, not out of disrespect but just because they have nowhere else to go. Reading about poverty and underdevelopment is one thing, but seeing how they deprive people of their most basic necessities is quite another.

There are just no functional restrooms in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas and urban slums. Some houses don't even have a toilet, especially those in crowded neighborhoods. When there are toilets, they are frequently in terrible shape broken, foul smelling, and useless. When the only public restroom nearby has no doors, is crawling with flies, and smells so terrible it makes you want to gag, can we really blame a woman for going into the bush? Usually, people don't choose to defecate in public. It's a desperate move. That does not, however, imply that we should ignore it. We must cease making it the norm. We must cease making it a standard. Because what begins as a "harmless" act has larger repercussions, including outbreaks of diseases, water contamination, environmental damage, and the loss of dignity.

The consequences for health are concerning. Human garbage doesn't simply vanish. Many people still rely on streams and rivers for cooking and drinking, and when it rains, that garbage is swept into them. This results in watery illnesses like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, which continue to kill people, particularly young children. Furthermore, it goes beyond health. There is also a significant effect on education. The lack of sanitary, private restrooms forces many public schoolchildren, especially females, to skip class or quit completely, especially in remote areas. Imagine having to hold your bladder all day while attempting to focus in class. It's unfair in addition to being painful. This brings to mind an anthology of short stories titled “The Aftermath (Collection of short stories) by Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga. The causes and results of public defecation are well explained in the book. A secondary school student and his family members who are fond of defecating in an open public gutter pays dearly for the condemnable act. It is a book every person should read to fully assimilate the benefits of keeping our environment clean, and those promoting environmental hygiene in the society should be rewarded.

Through initiatives like the "Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet" campaign, the Nigerian government has attempted to address the problem. Although that's a positive start, we all know that slogans won't address the issue on their own. Infrastructure for sanitation needs to be invested in more deeply and consistently, particularly in underprivileged regions. Maintaining restrooms is equally as important as building them. It has to do with awareness and education. To change attitudes, NGOs, local governments, and community leaders must collaborate. Not to mention the significance of accountability: initiatives must be finished, money must be spent openly, and community members must immediately experience the effects.

We too have a part to play as college students. We're not too young, too preoccupied, or too far away from the issue. A few of us had personal experience with it. We can increase awareness by using our platforms, voices, and skills. We can contribute to changing the narrative through volunteer outreach, social campaigns, college media, and articles. Because this isn't just about toilets in the end. Respect is at issue. It has to do with health. The goal is to establish a Nigeria where everyone has the right to hygienic, safe, and respectable sanitation, irrespective of where they reside or their income. We often say that godliness comes after cleanliness. Perhaps we should start living it instead of just reciting it.

END

Munirah Umar Sadiq,

Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) Department,

American University of Nigeria,

Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Highly talented upcoming spoken word poetess shares her writing experience

 Interviewed by Blessed Adjekpagbon

In this interview with Bulkybon News, a highly gifted Nigerian upcoming poetess, Peace Ileleji shares information about her background in the field of writing, says “I started writing poems at the age of 10”

Qst: What is your discipline or area of study and which school did you attend?

Ans: I'm a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Delta State University, Abraka.

Qst: Which genres of literature do you specialize in?

Ans: Poetry and prose.

Qst: When did you start writing and what gives you the inspiration to write?

Ans: I started writing poems at the age of 10 after discovering my talent for poetry at age 7. However, reading the Book of Psalms and performing Prof. Patrick Lumumba's powerful piece, 'If Kwame Nkrumah and Patrice Lumumba were to rise up' at my secondary school's Graduation and Prize Giving Day ignited my passion to craft verses that inspire and uplift. What gives me inspiration is reading and touring because it stirs me up to fill a gap in knowledge via my words.

Qst: Have you written any published creative work either as a book or featured in a newspaper?

Ans: Not yet but soon.

Qst: Are you a member of any writers’ association in Nigeria or outside Nigeria?

Ans: Yes, the Creative Writer's Workshop (CWW).

Qst: Have you attended any writers conference or convention before?

Ans: Yes, last year I attended the Southcosels '23 in Bayelsa State.

Qst: Are you interested in meeting other writers to perform your spoken words with them?

Ans: Yes it will be my utmost pleasure.

 Qst: Will you encourage any of your children (if you are already married or in future) to do what you are creatively involved in now?

Ans: Yes I will because I see life in Word Art. It cultivates critical thinking, creative expression and effective communication.

Qst: Who is your idol in in the field of creativity that you have decided to showcase your skills in?

Qst: Ib Quake.

Qst: What is motivating you to do what you are doing (promoting Nigerian culture through spoken words) now in the present tough situation Nigerians are facing?

Qst: Well, the contemporary Nigeria society is experiencing a silent exodus of her citizens popularly called 'japa' and my daily interactions with youths and teens as a Teens Coordinator in my church, let me into the life of young people and their constant fears about the fate of the remaining citizens of a 'japad' (deserted by many citizens for greener pastures abroad) nation. I recently went on a tour to six different states where I saw the true beauty of nature in Nigeria. So, I believe as we are blessed with these resources, there is definitely hope for a better future.

Qst: How many languages among the many languages in Nigeria do you speak? What is your state of origin?

Qst: I speak Igbo (not perfect though but beginner's level). I'm from Delta State and Urhobo by tribe.

Qst: How do you spend your free time and what is your favourite meal?

Qst: I love spending time with my family and close friends. Also, travelling, reading books, cooking and listening to music uplifts me. Lastly, my favourite meal is Naija jollof and fried plantain.

END

Calculus College sets pace for academic excellence, sports

 

Written by Blessed Adjekpagbon

Mr. Ifeanyi Egenti,
Calculus College proprietor.

It was a very entertaining sight penultimate week ago when the junior (JSS) and senior (SSS) students of Calculus College played two rounds of football matches to showcase their mastery of football skills, at the Aiyedere Sports Ground, Ketu, Lagos.
While the SSS team was captained by Femi Animashaun, the JSS side was led by Victor Nwagwu. The first round match ended in favour of the senior team who trounced the junior side with seven goals against the junior who scored only two. However, during the second round, the junior team who might have gone to consult the god of soccer during the interval of rest, came back smoking with tactical skills that made their seniors' jaws drop in awe.
During the second round, the junior showcased great technical depth that the senior team had no rival antidote for. At the end of proceedings, the match ended with six goals in favour of the junior team while the seniors managed to score only two.

Nonetheless, during a chat with Bulkybon News, the proprietor of Calculus College, Mr. Ifeanyi Egenti, popularly known as Mr. Solution gave insight about the school's background and why he encourages his students to engage in sporting activities coupled with academic orientation.
He said "I have been a tutorial center owner since 2012, preparing people for external exams such as the WAEC, JAMB, SAT and TOEFL. My motivation for delving into the educational sector is to educate and transform dull students to excellent students."
When asked why he is called Mr. Solution, he informs that "The name of my tutorial centre is Solution Tutorial College. I chose the name 'Solution' because l believe l am a problem - solver, especially in Mathematics, as l am a specialist in the field."

Some of the students at Magodo
Estate swimming pool.

Calculus College students displaying 
their soccer skills.

On the reason he established Calculus College in 2014 while still operating a tutorial centre till date, the Anambra - born highly gifted Mathematician offers that "l observed that most private schools are not producing good students for academic excellence at secondary level; hence, l decided to establish Calculus College to add my quota towards improving the academic excellence of students."
He also posits that "The only challenge l have been facing is that most teachers are not willing to do their best because of the poor economic situation in the country. This makes it quite challenging to retain good teachers for a long time, because many keep engaging in other activities that can fetch them money than teaching."
In conclusion, the proprietor avers that "There is a saying that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' That is why I engage my students in sporting activities as a form of exercise and opportunity to discover their sporting talents. You can recall that many talented Nigerian footballers were discovered in the olden days during secondary schools academicals football competitions. My students practice football every Saturday every week, except on every last Saturday of every month when they engage in swimming practice at a very decent swimming pool in Magodo Estate, Ketu, Lagos." 

                                                          END

Asenyinism: Landmarks of good leadership in Isenyi

Book title: Ten Years In The Service Of His People: Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinase1

Author: Wale Okediran

Publisher: Ebedi International Writers Residency, lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria

Year published:* 2016

Pages: 148

Reviewer:* Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

One of the best legacies any good leader can leave for posterity includes the praises he enjoys from his people during his lifetime and after his last inhalation of oxygen on earth. 

 

That is exactly what Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajanise 1, the 29th Aseyin of Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, accomplished before joining his ancestors, which Wale Okediran analyzes in the book titled "Ten Years In The Service Of His People: Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinase 1." It is a historical analysis of how the 29th Oba (King) of lseyin, became the Aseyin (Traditional King) of the town, on the 17th of December 2006 till his subsequent handshake with his ancestors forever. 

The King's noteworthy achievements that the author projects in the book, are what gave birth to the concept of "Aseyinism," hereby propounded by the reviewer. It simply means how to be a good Aseyin or a remarkable traditional leader.

Divided into four parts, the 148-page book digs into the footsteps of irreversible time, it excavates how the town of Iseyin came into being through a legend known as Ebedi and his followers.

Part One is titled "Historical Perspectives." It boasts subtitles such as "Facts and Figures," "Legends and History," and "Ebedi and Other Heroes." It talks about how lseyin came into being from the pre-colonial era, up till date. This portion is very enlightening too, about the mystical metamorphosis of the famous Ebedi Hill, which the reviewer recently created a record as the first Ebedi Fellow who climbed the hill to its peak, in the history of all other writers who have been accommodated at the Ebedi International Writers Residency, since it was established over a decade ago. The town's last official population figure is also stated in this section. According to the author. "The primary industry of the area is cotton-based textiles. Iseyin is the fourth largest city in Oyo, after Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo town. Iseyin is also known as the 'Home of Aso Oke.' 'Aso Oke' or 'Ofi' is a popular traditional fabric mostly used for ceremonies amongst the Yoruba people of Nigeria."

Part Two is titled "The Kabiyesi." It has sub-titles such as, "Early Life and School Days," "The Ascendancy," "Achievements," "Challenges,” and "Future Plans." It is the part that discusses the life history of the 29th King of Iseyin, whose picture occupies the book's front cover. The struggles the Kabiyesi (another word for 'King' in Yoruba language) went through from childhood until God elevated him to the position of Aseyin of Iseyin, are principally punctuated in this portion. His achievements are remarkable and worth talking about at this juncture. Among many encomiums by commentators whose opinions feature in the book about the Aseyin's style of leadership, is Asiru Kamoru's, a youth of Iseyin. On page 84, he says "...The Aseyin of Iseyin is a gentleman, good ruler and an educated veterinary doctor. Also, he is kind, caring and listens to the aspirations of the people of Iseyin."

 

He further states, "Before he came to the throne, there was great confusion between Muslim worshippers and traditional worshippers with regards to the celebration of the Oro festival. However, upon his assumption to the throne, he was able to bring about peace between the two groups of worshippers. ...It was during his tenure as Aseyin of lseyin that there had been great developments, such as; the construction of the two-lane road passing through the town, the establishment of Saf Polytechnic and other projects. And everyone is hailing him for these development projects..." 

Kamoru's views are also corroborated by a lot of Iseyin's indigenous and non-indigenes' comments about the King's leadership style in the author's narratives. What impressed the reviewer most about the people's commendations of the King's administration, was his love for peace and the development of his people. It is quite rare in modern times to have such a good leader as described by the numerous folks’ eulogies of the Aseyin. Any visitor to Iseyin, can certainly see the landmark achievements of the said King without sentimental attachments.

Moreover, 'Part Three' which is titled "What The People Say," has sub-themes, namely;  "The Chiefs and The Baales," "The Elders," "Non-Indigenes," and "The Youths." At page 82, a non-indigene of lseyin, posits, "My name is Mrs Chuka Bridget from Ebonyi State. l have been in lseyin since December 1984. Iseyin is a peaceful town and the people are very accommodating. They love strangers....l am aware that Aseyin is a veterinary doctor, and was living in Lagos before he was chosen as the king of lseyin....He has done a lot. For instance, when the NYSC camp was being established here in lseyin, some people in the higher authority wanted it to be moved to Oyo town, but the Aseyin insisted that it must remain here in lseyin."

These, and many other testimonies are part of the unforgettable legacies the 29th Aseyin of lseyin achieved during his reign on the throne for a decade, which the author documented. They are truly achievements worth documenting by any person who appreciates good leadership, peace and progress in the annals of the town.

The last part, which is "Part Four," is titled "From the Archives." It has two sub titles, namely "Photo News" and "Two Press Clips." It contains varieties of colourful pictures of the Aseyin, some landmark structures in the urban areas of the town, different elders, youths and a market scene. An article published by the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper about the dualization of lseyin township roads, Ebedi International Writers Residency, and an interview with a cross-section of the populace in lseyin, are part of the meat and potatoes in the last part of the book.

Nonetheless, despite some typos in the contents, and a repetition of Chief Lateef Fasasi's comments about the Aseyin at page 64 and 66, the author has done a great job, by taking time to carry out such highly tasking research about his town's ancestral history. As a Historian too, the reviewer knows what it takes in terms of time, energy and money to embark on any ancient and modern historical findings, the way the author has done. 

In conclusion, the book needs an eagle eye editor and proofreader such as the reviewer, to drop all the errors in it, before reprinting new copies. The front cover picture can also be reduced to give the book title more visage. The colour of the title's text will be more visible by changing it from white to very deep blue. It is a book that all lseyin indigenes ought to have, to acquaint themselves with their historical foundations. non-indigenes can also benefit from the book, as it will help to broaden their knowledge about how to relate with lseyin's very friendly folks. There are many great business opportunities one can also venture into in the town.

Okediran, a Medical Doctor cum Iseyin's Historian, is well known for his novels, short stories and essays. He has won various literary prizes.  He was the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), from 2005 to 2009. He is a native of lseyin, and the founder of the popular Ebedi International Writers Residency in lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. At present, he is the Secretary of Pan Africa Writers Association (PAWA), with headquarters in Ghana.

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*NOTE:* The reviewer is a prolific author, versatile reader, writer, editor and marketer of books online and offline. He is among the current Ebedi Fellows of the ongoing First Edition of 2024 Ebedi International Writers Residency programme in lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Direct call: +2348067538922

WhatsApp: +2348059265333