The public presentation of Colours of My Mind, a 275-page book by Austin Emaduku, will take place at the Egini Community Townhall in Egini, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The book launch is set for 12 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 August. Professor G.G. Darah will chair the event. He is a respected academic and one of the pioneers in Oral Literature studies in Nigeria. He is also known as a political and community leader in Delta State.
Published by Premium Times Books, Colours of My Mind is a powerful collection of essays, reflections, and creative writings. It tells the story of Nigeria’s social and political journey in the second decade of the 21st century.
The book is based on the author’s popular social media posts and public commentaries. It reflects on a nation facing leadership issues, democracy challenges, and cultural decline. It also highlights the strong spirit of its people. Stephen Nse Kekeghe from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, will review the book at the launch.
Written in clear and engaging language, Colours of My Mind shows Austin Emaduku’s voice as a public intellectual, social critic, and keen observer of national issues. With humor, bravery, and strong morals, he asks tough questions. He shines a light on the human cost of bad leadership and neglect.
The book uses the “colours” of the author’s homeland and lifestyle. It explores the culture, values, and identity of the people while examining the power struggles that threaten them. This creates a rich landscape of stories that is both sensory and insightful, mixing anthropology, urban sociology, and history.
The book is divided into six sections, each focusing on a specific “colour” of the Nigerian experience. Each section unfolds with different themes, much like various stanzas of a poem. These themes include governance, federalism, elections, human rights, the Niger Delta issue, religion, culture, and ethics.
Colours of My Mind gives readers a mix of sharp political insights and personal reflections. The essays challenge the status quo and speak out for the marginalized. The final creative pieces provide a more personal and poetic view of the author’s thoughts.
Austin Emaduku hails from Egini in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. He writes from the perspective of a local who avoids the detachment of a distant critic. He holds a PhD and is a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Human and Natural Resources. He is also the Head of Personnel Management in Ughelli South Local Government. He has served as the President-General of the Union of Udu Communities and is a member of the Udu Council of Chiefs. These roles give him unique insights as a public administrator and a local from the Niger Delta.
In Colours of My Mind, Emaduku’s insights are rooted in the realities of environmental damage, youth unrest, and cultural concerns in the region. He does not lose sight of the broader Nigerian situation. His reflections on the Niger Delta issue provide an insider’s view of the region’s deep-rooted problems. He critiques the reckless agitation and militancy that arise from real frustrations over environmental harm and neglect, which sometimes harm the very people they aim to help.
He openly talks about the need for restructuring the country, the burdens of Nigeria’s current system, and the path to true federalism. He demands democratic accountability and critiques the “hypocrisy of religious intolerance.” He also addresses the “cultural inferiorization” of African traditions and the effects of modern Pentecostalism.
The book includes a 'Foreword' by Professor Darah, who praises Emaduku’s “erudite and punchy” writing style. He also acknowledges the author’s strong voice as a public intellectual. The book serves as both a historical record and a moral challenge. It gathers the thoughts of one thoughtful citizen and presents them in a clear way. It is not just a manifesto or a memoir but a significant act of civic engagement. Emaduku provides a record of his time and a challenge for our time.
More than just a record, Colours of My Mind offers a deep look at historical representations. It is recommended for anyone interested in current Nigerian issues, political ideas, cultural discussions, and reflective writing. It connects activism and art. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the social and political issues in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole, through a grassroots lens.
The book launch is part of a dual event, which includes the official opening of the Egini Community Public Library, donated by Austin Emaduku. Distinguished community leaders will be present, such as Vincent Oyibode, the Chairman of Udu Local Government, who will be the chief launcher. Innocent Ogboru, the Chairman of Delta State Library Board, will be the principal guest of honour.
Sir Richard Odibo will host the event. Lucky Avweromre, the Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government, will present the book. His Royal Majesty, Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo, Okporua I, Ovie of Udu Kingdom, will also attend, along with many other notable guests.
Colours of My Mind is now available in both paperback and hardback.
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