History was made in Ayamelum community in Anambra State when a 19- year-old writer, Michael Chineme Ike, produced a 542-page book on the history of his area.
Ike said he embarked on the project to give insights into the story of his community at the same time produce a book that would become an asset to generations to come.
He revealed that he commenced writing the book titled “Ayamelum Clan” in 2014 at the age of 15.
Recounting the difficulties he encountered while working on the project, Ike recalled how his late father, Chief Ike, and some other aged persons in the area, assisted him with stories and histories that motivated him to write.
He said: “Even till the very last moment, I had no sponsor to assist me cope with the financial burden of finishing the work.
“Besides, many people looked down on me; and no one believed that at my age, I could produce such work.
“But God being on my side, I did not give up on the project.”
Speaking during the launching of the book at the Ayamelum Local Government Area headquarters, Anaku, the book reviewer, Sir Udoji Amedu, gave insight into the 60 chapters; starting with the origin of the people of the community.
He explained the meaning and origin of the name “Ayamelum”, major occupations of the people and the differences among them.
Amedu also highlighted the challenges and major achievements of the people of the area in the modern era, among other issues concerning the community.
Underscoring the place of history in the life of a people, book reviewer expressed confidence that the young author’s work would serve as an asset for the people of the area.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Igbakwu community, HRH Prof. Onuora Nwuneli, was full of appreciation to the young author for the success story, describing it as a rare feat.
He recalled how monarchs in the council area, in 2016, met to discuss the idea of changing the name of the local government “to a more progressive name”.
Nwuneli, a former commissioner in the State, who wrote the forward of the book, however regretted their inability to do so, saying, “there was no history book that gave deep insight into the etymology of the local government.”
“Since then, traditional rulers from this area have been looking for a scholar that will write the history of the local government area, unknown to us that our little son had started the project since 2014”, he added.
The spiritual father of the day, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ben Okwu Eboh, recalled how the young author frequented his office since the day he started the project.
He promised to do his best to ensure that the book received the necessary patronage and support it deserved.
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Many dignitaries graced the occasion including Chief Paul Odenigbo (Former SSG, Anambra State); Justice P. A. C Obidigwe (Former Chief Judge, Anambra State); Hon. Uche Okafor (Member of the State House of Assembly); Hon. Benjamin Onyeabo (Chairman, Ayamelum Local Government); Hon. Paul Obiora (Former Chairman, Ayamelum Local Government) and many other prominent persons from the area.
