Dialogue with my Country By Niyi Osundare
$10.00
Niyi Osundare’s poetry, as exemplified in this volume, portrays the realism of a keen and critical intelligence.
Dialogue With My Country, Niyi Osundare’s latest book, which is a compilation of articles written under his 24-year-old column in Newswatch, makes a debut
Niyi Osundare, poet, writer and professor of English, is an angry man. Last week, many who gathered at the presentation of his book titled: Dialogue With My Country, caught a glimpse of his feeling of anger which emitted from the pages of the compilation of his column in Newswatch magazine. For 24 years through the magazine, Osundare had used the pen as a dagger to disembowel the high and the mighty in the society.
Keith Richards, managing director of Promasidor, who reviewed the book, aptly captured Osundare’s anger in his review. “While this is a collection that contains both wit and wisdom, it is fundamentally an angry book. The quiet rage may be contained in a wrapper of humour and softened by the style and pedigree of his prose but Osundare is true to his belief that the basis of all art is justice.”
According to Richards, not only were the issues raised in the column relevant today, but they were also prescient. When Osundare’s column criticised the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, of the time, he didn’t envisage that to date Nigerians would still be talking about the seven-point agenda and though he decried the National Electric Power Authority, NEPA, the Power Holding Company Nigeria, PHCN, is still a problem. He had written against campuses emptied by cultism in the past, yet today, they are laid to waste by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. In March 1993, he wrote surely, Nigeria’s democratic experimentation must be the most expensive in the world. He probably had not imagined that today the cost of the legislature would be colossal. “It is no wonder that the satire and ridicule that appealed to Newswatch readers originally should be so contemporary till this very moment. It is no wonder that Osundare’s wit and humour, his passion and connection barely disguise his anger and frustration,” Richards said.
Richards said the book is a must read for those who want to know more about Nigeria. For one, it prompted memories and sometimes a bitter smile of reminiscence for older Nigerians. For younger Nigerians, especially those educated abroad who are disappointed with the economic situation in the country today, it facilitates a greater understanding of those with a touch of grey hair. For expatriates ready to learn more of the background to the frustrations and anger felt by those who thought that this democracy would be the realisation of years of hope, it provides insight.
Dan Agbese, editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine couldn’t agree more. Agbese, who was the moderator at the book presentation, had also edited Osundare’s column for the past 24 years and attested that the writer was indeed filled with a unique kind of rage that was surrounded with a bout of humour. “To me, he projects two charming personae. As a man, he is humorous but when he sits before his word processor, all traces of humour and laughter vanish because as a writer and social commentator, he is an angry man. Angry at a country that promises so much, yet delivers so little. Angry at our leaders, in khaki or agbada, for failing us and making a career and fortunes from our misfortunes,” he said.
Agbese said the title of the book: Dialogue with My Country is like a cruel pun on the word ‘dialogue’ because columnists in Nigeria always seemed to be talking to themselves. Agbese believes that Osundare’s choice of the book title was meant to be understood as a dialogue of the deaf because though Osundare had been talking for 24 years, nobody has been listening.
Based on 0 reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
General Inquiries
There are no inquiries yet.
You may also like…
-
Books, Books & Games, Literature
The Illustrated Things Fall Apart
Seller: GrammyBooksThis special, large-format, lavishly-illustrated edition of Things Fall Apart, ‘Africa’s best loved novel’, is a timely tribute to ‘the father of modern African Literature’. It is published to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of a book now considered a classic of African and World Literature. This edition uniquely blends the enduring simplicity of Achebe’s tale with the creative visual talents of some of Nigeria’s best and bright contemporary artists. The result is a book that will appeal to lovers of African Literature and Art the world over. A treasured testament to the art of story-tellling, Things Fall Apart Illustrated is bound to become a collector’s item.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Language
The Forest of a Thousand Daemons By D. O. Fagunwa Translated by Wole Soyinka
Books, Books & Games, LanguageThe Forest of a Thousand Daemons By D. O. Fagunwa Translated by Wole Soyinka
Seller: GrammyBooksThis book is a free translation of the Chief D. O. Fagunwa’s novel, Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale, the most famous of all works of Yoruba fiction. It is the pilgrimage of the Yoruba race and its themes are universal: the quest for lasting happiness and peace of mind and the hazards this entails Wole Soyinka has put this novel at the disposal of a wider reading public by translating it into English. He is a leading national playwright, novelist and poet. His works include Season of Anomy also in this series.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Children
A Lesson for Grandpa
Seller: Buy Books LtdA Lesson for Grandpa is the account of a little called Ada whose Grandpa sent his tenants out of his building for a selfish reason. Another set of tenants were brought into without knowing much about them. Who are these tenants? What happens to Grandpa at the end? the answer to these questions and more are in the books
SKU: n/a
Recently Viewed Product
-
Books, Books & Games, Language
Alawiiye Iwe Keta By J. F. Odunjo
Seller: GrammyBooksIse ni ogun `se
Mura si ise ore mi
Ise ni afi ndeni giga
Bi ako ba reni fehinti
Bi ole la a ri
Bi a ko ba reni gbekele
A tera mose eni
Iya re le lowo lowo
Baba re si le leshin le kan
Bi o ba gboju le won
O te tan ni mo so fun o
Ohun ti a ko ba jiya fun
Se kii le tojo
Ohun ti a ba fara sise fun
Ni npe lowo eni
Apa lara
Igunpa ni iye kan
Bi aiye ba nfe o loni
Ti o balowo lowo
Won a ma fe o lola
Jeki o wa ni ipo atata
Aiye a ma ye o si terin-terin
Jeki o deni rago
Ko o ri bi aiye ti nyinmu si o
Eko si tun seni doga
Mura ki o ko dara-dara
Iya nbo fomo ti ko gbon
Ekun mbe fomo ti o nsa kiri
Ma fowuro sere ore mi
Mura si ise ojo nlo.SKU: n/a -
Agricultural Waste, Commodities, Commodities & Animal Products, Grain & Dried Foods
Premium Grade High Quality Tiger Nuts ($1300 per ton)
Agricultural Waste, Commodities, Commodities & Animal Products, Grain & Dried FoodsPremium Grade High Quality Tiger Nuts ($1300 per ton)
Seller: Max Agro Exchange- Premium grade high quality tigers available from West Africa
- Up to 100 tons available
- Packaged in PP 50kg PP Sacks
- Ghana and Nigeria grade available
SKU: n/a -
Art & Collectibles, Collectibles, Decorative Cushions, Furniture, Home & Living, Home Decor, Vintage
Authentic Round Handcrafted Leather Hausa Rug/Mat
Art & Collectibles, Collectibles, Decorative Cushions, Furniture, Home & Living, Home Decor, VintageAuthentic Round Handcrafted Leather Hausa Rug/Mat
Seller: kakakee ShopThis stunning floor mat/rug was authentically crafted by Hausa craftsmen.
It is made with cow skin and features some decorative designs that makes a perfect as a decorative item for your living area.
Can be used as a rug or backdrop
Item is rare and not mass produced. Hence, it also makes for a unique vintage collection
It measures about 164cm round
Has a mixed colour of black, cream, tan and teal green (Item may be delivered with slight colour variations).
SKU: n/a -
Women, Women Clothing, Women Dresses, Women's Fashion
Roksana Front Slit Dress
Seller: RoksanaDetails.
Why not “tie” your fish eye darts instead? This dress makes it possible with the use of eyelets. This outfit is a must for all stylish ladies who aren’t afraid to sprinkle some confidence on sexy! An additional styling tip? Wear with leggings if it’s not that kind of outing! Wink!
SKU: n/a -
Men's Fashion, T-Shirt
Kobo Draft Mix 2 Piece
Seller: Kobo Fashion- Hand Wash
- 100% Cotton
- Made and Tailored in Nigeria
- This work- or weekend-perfect casual button-front shirt in a plain-color cotton features a special wash for a soft feel and maximum comfort
- Slim fit: closer-fitting in the chest, slightly tapered through the waist for a tailored look
SKU: n/a -
Boots, Men's Fashion, Shoes
Obeto Chelsea Boot
Seller: ViattuThe iconic Obeto Chelsea boots, with the twin elastic gussets and heel loop tab, uses double stitched construction and leather sole for a premium finish.Perfect for smart occasions, these Chelsea boots use our unique technology for the best cushioning underfoot. The slimline sole features a true leather welt and stack effect heel for a premium finish.SKU: 3545-3610 -
Art & Collectibles, Collectibles, Decorative Cushions, Home & Living, Home Decor, Memorabilia, Other, Vintage
Quality Handmade Leather Hausa Pouf
Art & Collectibles, Collectibles, Decorative Cushions, Home & Living, Home Decor, Memorabilia, Other, VintageQuality Handmade Leather Hausa Pouf
Seller: kakakee Shop- Hausa Leather Pouf
- Colour: Light and dark brown
- Handmade from goat skin and 100% authentic
- Sits perfectly on the floor as a footstool and decorative item
- Measurement: Height: 8 inches x 25 Diameter
- Features the Hausa Arewa Design in the middle and on top
- Comes new and unused
- Made from Cow skin
SKU: n/a -
Body Care, Face Care, Health & Beauty, Natural Products, Skincare
Quincy Hydrating-Brightening-Powder-Wash
Body Care, Face Care, Health & Beauty, Natural Products, SkincareQuincy Hydrating-Brightening-Powder-Wash
Seller: Quincy HerbalsThis potent skin lightening wash helps to give your skin a smooth, bright, glowing appearance. It contains Organic Sulfur, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid which helps to clear up acne problems. It also contains natural skin lightening ingredients which include Alpha arbutin and Kojic Acid and more which all work together to give your skin a natural, smooth and glowing look. Perfect for Pregnancy Induced Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, Dark Patches, Dark Spots, Acne Scars, Patchy Skin, Rough Skin, Age Spots, Clearing of Cream Reaction, Dull Skin, etc. All Natural! No Hydroquinone, No Steroids, FAST RESULTS.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Politics & Development
From Third World to First : The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 By Lee Kuan Yew Hardcover
Books, Books & Games, Politics & DevelopmentFrom Third World to First : The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 By Lee Kuan Yew Hardcover
Seller: GrammyBooksAbout the Author Lee Kuan Yew was born in Singapore on September 16, 1923, a third-generation descendant of immigrants from China’s Guangdong Province. He read law at Cambridge University, England. In 1954 he formed the People’s Action Party, which won the first Singapore general election five years later. Lee became the country’s first prime minister in 1959, at the age of thirty-five. In November 1990 he resigned the office to assume the post of senior minister in the Singapore cabinet.
SKU: n/a -
Books
CSS Functional English Book 2 – By CSS Bookshops
Seller: CssbookshopThis is a series written by renowned authors and it is curriculum
compliant. It encompasses all aspects of English language;
Comprehension, Grammar, Speech, Vocabulary, Writing, and Literature. In
order to make Css Functional English Language more comprehensive, the
topics have been thoroughly revised and the illustrations are life
related and colourful. It is divided intoSKU: n/a
There are no reviews yet.