Governor Nwifuru Hails Obinna Udenwe on Launch of Years of Shame

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has congratulated Mr. Obinna Udenwe on the launch of his novel, Years of Shame, encouraging the award-winning author to sustain his efforts in promoting the State’s heritage through literature.

Speaking at Remeritona Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki, during the public presentation of the book, Governor Nwifuru—represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa—noted that the theme of the novel transcends Izzi land and resonates with the entire Ebonyi experience.

“The Years of Shame as captured in the novel is not limited to Izzi land, but Ebonyi State in general,” he said. “Our dear Governor has asked me to congratulate you, Engr. Obinna, and to tell you that he will continue to encourage you. In the People’s Charter of Needs, you will acknowledge that he captured all these. What Ebonyi needs may not be what other States need. He started telling this story to showcase what we were, and what we are now, and as well, how people were treated then.”

Governor Nwifuru also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting talented young writers and creatives who project Ebonyi State positively.

“We will do whatever we can to encourage our young ones who are growing and to congratulate him for the feat he has achieved,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former President of the Senate, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, represented by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odoh, described Mr. Udenwe as a “sharp writer who is provocative and prophetic,” commending the author for exploring ancestral decisions and foundational legacies in the work.

In their separate remarks, dignitaries including the Chief Launcher, Engr. Darlington Ugota; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi (represented by Prince Ndubuisi Chibueze Agbo); Member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike; former Deputy Governors Prof. Chigozie Ogbu and Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe (represented by Elder Stephen Orogwu); former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Chief Elias Mbam; Senator Silvanus Ngiji Ngele; and Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, all congratulated Mr. Udenwe for the milestone.

They urged him to keep the flag flying and to continue contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of Ebonyi State.