History was made in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State with the formal signing of my debut novel, presentation/book  Burning Hurt on Thursday, the 6th of June, 2013. Burning Hurt was published by Author House UK, in August 2012. It is a work of literary fiction, which also appeals to the dictates of our moral values as Christians, with the aim of promoting good moral values in the home and society by encouraging youths to sow 'righteous oats' as against the proverbial sowing of wild oats, which is seen to epitomize manliness. Burning Hurt is a universal story of betrayal, neglect, forgiveness, redemption and love, set in the southern part of Nigeria. It also emphasizes the importance of strong family units because, the family is the singular most important unit of the society; when the family unit is functional, it will reduce the dysfunction in the larger society. The story promotes positive/godly friendships as a good support system for the individual, as well as the cultural practices of the state in which the plot of the story is set. The book is replete with words from the Ibibio dialect of Akwa Ibom State, complete with a glossary at the end, which explains the meaning of these words.




















The presentation/signing held at the Ibom E-Library IBB Avenue, Off Aka Road Uyo Akwa Ibom State. It was breath-taking, wonderful, outstanding, unique and creatively put together to capture the interest of attendees, and also provoke thought on some commonly acceptable practices. Part of the activities marking the presentation included, an exclusive Red-Carpet, a total theater representation of “ Burning Hurt ” by the Burning Hurt Play House; the stage play was a compendium of dance, music and drama. Sanvee Schools selected some of their best readers to read excerpts from Burning Hurt as part of the side attractions of the day. On the other hand, there was a review panel, made up of some notable minds, readers and writers of repute to mention a few. These included:  the wife of the Ambassador of the High Commission Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Dela Obika, Wife of Hon. Onofiok Luke,  Executive member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Uduak Onofiok Luke, Barrister Andem Ndem, Dr. Martin Akpan, Mr John Ekphikhe and Mr Ime Ikpe. These personalities spoke about the ‘burning issues’ in the book, and how the book impacted on them.  A theme song of international repute titled “I’m letting Go ” which was beautifully rendered by Mr. Greatgift Nicholas, was released, and is also available for downloading on the VIDEO menu.



The event was well attended by guests from the academia and business sectors, from different parts of Nigeria, including my secondary school English teacher at Union Secondary School Ibiaku-Itu, Mrs. Victoria Ukpong nee Utuk, who played a significant role in my life at that point, by helping to draw out an introverted little girl and making her President of the literary/drama club. It helped me a lot to come out of my shell.





This presentation heralded the dawn of the Burning Hurt Series . My parents Elder&Deaconess Eno Ikpe, and mother in-law, Deaconess Grace Thompson were in attendance, with a host of other family members, friends, business associates, staff,  and well wishers. The event, which was packaged by PurplePatch Consults, run by Miss Mmanti Umoh, was well organized/put together. It was described by the Akwa Ibom State Television, which was on ground to cover the event, as the ‘best organized event in Akwa Ibom in the last 2 years.’  Other media houses that had provided  pre-event coverage, included: AKBC TV, The Bridge TV, Uyo, and,  Bush House Radio, Abuja.




This event held a lot of significance for me. I started writing, while at Charles Walker International Junior Burning Hurt. It touched me a lot, especially when I saw how excited my four children were, to be part of the Presentation experience. I see my writing primarily as a ministry and see myself as a positive change agent of my society, beginning in my own little sphere of influence.







Nursery/Primary School, Calabar, and my very first fan, was my younger sister, Uto-Lillian, who read everything I put down whether it made sense or not. So, for me, this was the fulfillment of a childhood longing/dream and I'm grateful to God for powering it to fruition. My 7 year old son came to me with a short story on paper which he titled:





This is my rasion d’être for writing Burning Hurt: "The consequences of some of our wrong or ill-advised decisions in life may not always play out the way it did in this story, but if all I succeed in doing, is make many people have a re-think, before embarking on an irrational course of action, I would be fulfilled.”






I hope to influence my generation, one person at a time, using my own words…..”  





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Read my speech at the presentation:  http://www.slideshare.net/MmantiNUmoh/her-speech 

Dr. Martin Akpan's speech: http://www.slideshare.net/MmantiNUmoh/dr-martin-akpans-speech