Introduction to a Literary Icon
The Mazariyya Books Ltd., a publishing outfit based in Abuja, and the Cyprian Ekwensi Foundation have signed a contract agreement for the posthumous publication of "In My Time", an autobiography of the late Nigerian iconic writer, Chief Cyprian Ekwensi. The agreement was signed by Mr. Ahmed Maiwada, Chairman of Mazariyya Books Ltd., and Chiedu Ekwensi, Chairman of the Cyprian Ekwensi Foundation, in Abuja.
Partnership and Publication
The partnership aims to reissue the book for the benefit of readers who loved Ekwensi’s works but never read his first novella. The partnership is also aimed at publishing the writer’s posthumous book ‘In My Time’, edited by Prof. Ernest Emenyonu, a Nigerian academic and African literature critic. The Mazariyya Books Ltd. will publish the book in February 2026. The two organizations also agreed to publish late Ekwensi’s first published fiction, ‘When Love Whispers’, posthumously, which was published in 1948.
About the Books
‘When Love Whispers’ was Ekwensi’s first published work of fiction and had been out of print for decades. The romantic novella delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and societal expectations. The story is set against the backdrop of Nigerian society and highlights the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst external pressures. ‘In My Time’ is an autobiography that tells the story of Ekwensi’s life, from his early days to his later years.
Reaction from the Parties Involved
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Maiwada said partnering with the giant Nigerian writer through his first living son, Mr. Chiedu Ekwensi, was a great pleasure. Maiwada assured that the two books, ‘When Love Whispers’ and ‘In My Time’, would be published by Mazariyya Books. According to him, it is a very big honor to publish the work of an icon that was born in Minna, Niger State. The chairman of the Cyprian Ekwensi Foundation also expressed his gratitude to the publisher for the opportunity and prayed that the aim of the contracts should be achieved.
Importance of the Publication
Mr. Patrick Oguejiofor, former Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said living to see the contract of Ekwensi’s autobiography, a great icon, to be published posthumously, shows that the spirit of the Prince is here. He described Nigerians as good readers, stressing the need to make the books accessible to them. The publication of these books is expected to bring a bit of sanity into the literary world and give writers the confidence that their works will remain relevant even after their death.
Challenges Facing the Publishing Industry
Maiwada noted that producing books in Nigeria is expensive because it takes a lot of money. He called on the government to take necessary policy steps to ensure that printing and printing materials are affordable and less expensive, so that the books can be affordable for Nigerians. The motto of Mazariyya Books Ltd. is "telling the Nigerian story", and the company believes that if people want to love Nigeria, they have to know who Nigerians are.
Conclusion
The publication of ‘In My Time’ and ‘When Love Whispers’ is a significant milestone in the literary world. The partnership between Mazariyya Books Ltd. and the Cyprian Ekwensi Foundation is expected to bring the works of the late Nigerian iconic writer to a new generation of readers. The publication of these books will not only honor the memory of Ekwensi but also provide a unique opportunity for readers to learn about his life and works.
FAQs
- Who is Chief Cyprian Ekwensi?
Chief Cyprian Ekwensi was a late Nigerian iconic writer. - What is the title of the autobiography to be published posthumously?
The title of the autobiography is "In My Time". - Who is the publisher of the autobiography?
The publisher of the autobiography is Mazariyya Books Ltd. - When is the book expected to be published?
The book is expected to be published in February 2026. - What is the significance of the publication of ‘In My Time’ and ‘When Love Whispers’?
The publication of these books is significant because it will bring the works of the late Nigerian iconic writer to a new generation of readers and provide a unique opportunity for readers to learn about his life and works.
Source: nannews.ng
