In the tapestry called life, we often encounter individuals whose journeys leave an indelible mark on the canvas of time. Such is the case with my esteemed friend and brother of over 45 years, whose words and wisdom now resonate through the corridors of experience and reflection. I count myself privileged to write this foreword for ‘Épa Don Come – An Odyssey With the Elder’.
In ‘Épa Don Come,’ Ogie Eboigbe offers us a glimpse into the multifaceted world of an Épa, – the Elder. His chosen articles reflect a kaleidoscope of themes, ranging from life and human interest to politics, society, tributes, and beyond. The title, ‘Épa Don Come,’ resonates in Pidgin English, and signals the arrival of wisdom, experience, and a call to action.
As I read through these pages, I am reminded that for as long as I have known Ogie, he has always been a reader and therefore a leader, whose opinion matters. And with this book, he proves that life of books is indeed a rewarding one. The younger Ogie’s journey through the realms of literature is a testament to the power of reading, shaping his perspectives, and laying the foundation for a commitment to authorship that has lingered for years. Now, he gifts us with an offering: writing not only about himself but about the lives of those and issues that matter around us.
Aside from this book presentation, Ogie uses this landmark 70th birthday as an opportunity to unveil a unique venture – the Biography & History Project (BHP), a visionary initiative aimed at preserving our stories, history, and legacies. This is one spin-off of the birthday celebration that particularly gladdens my heart. Media people rarely write about themselves and their experiences in the industry. In a world where the significance of history seems to wane, where the past is at risk of slipping into obscurity, BHP emerges as a clarion call to document our lives and experiences. As Ogie rightly warns us, “A nation that forgets its past has no future;” and through the BHP, he seeks to avert such a fate.
The call to write is a collective responsibility – not just an individual endeavour. The author contends that writing biographies and autobiographies can be a powerful tool to promote history, offering insight into different cultures, time periods, and the lives of individuals who shaped our world. By encouraging and assisting people to write, BHP becomes a revolutionary force to recover the lost years when History as a subject was side-lined.
BHP is not just an abstract concept but a practical invitation to individuals to document their journeys through the labyrinth of life. In BHP, Ogie envisions sessions and a writers’ support system for those who may struggle to articulate their narratives. It is a rallying cry to capture the essence of professions, arts, culture, and tradition before they fade away into the recesses of forgotten memories.
As we embark on this literary journey with the author, let us heed the call of BHP and recognize the profound impact of documenting our stories. ‘Épa Don Come’ is not just a collection of articles; it is a proclamation that our narratives matter, that the ink of our pens can etch the annals of history, and that, indeed, wisdom has arrived.
