Last December, my grandson, Jidenna Dibor, aged 18 and in his final year of secondary school, requested all my books be sent to him. He had already read my biography, published in 2019 to mark my 80th birthday, and was very impressed with its contents. Naturally, it was a pleasure for me to package all my books, autograph them as requested, and deliver them to him in Port Harcourt. I promised him a gift if he managed to read all 22 books.
A few days after receiving the books, he phoned to ask me why I had written two books in 2016. I recalled that during that year, I was on holiday in Calgary, Canada, which provided me the opportunity to complete several manuscripts. That year, I particularly enjoyed walking to the public library to read and exercise.
The encouragement for writing also came from a cousin when I told him I would be in Canada for the holidays. He said to me, “I know you will have time to write more books.”
Last year was significant because I donated some of my books to the Synod delegates of the Nnewi Diocese (Anglican Communion), held in September in my hometown, Okija. My reason for doing this was that, during the Synod held at Okija in 2015, I had donated my book titled The Living Sacrifice, which was greatly appreciated. I also donated copies to the Synod delegates of the Lagos West Diocese, who met in May 2023 and May 2024.
The spirit of adding value to others’ lives is my motivating factor for donating books. It is always a pleasure to give out my books, especially to those who appreciate them. Last year, I was honoured by the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha Old Boys Association, my alma mater, as the Chike Okonyia Award winner for 2022. Apart from donating money to support our school’s projects, I derived greater joy from donating books to the students. My long-term partners-in-progress, pharmacy students, have also been benefiting from my books. Whenever they send their usual list of items to support their activities, I include my books.
Giving books as gifts is a legacy because books touch people’s lives in various places and times. Whenever I travel, I take some books to give out as the Spirit directs me. In this way, I have made friends among fellow travellers.
Travelling is always a good opportunity to read. I cannot be in a car without reading materials. I don’t waste time complaining or worrying about traffic jams because they provide an opportunity for me to read. I was pleased when our Bishop, Dr James Odedeji, told me last year at a function that each time he travelled, he would pick up one of my books to read.
Some time ago, a friend told me he appreciated my “book ministry.” I was glad because some people think that ministry only refers to Christian ministry or service, which is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith. Ministry also involves giving of ourselves—our time, talents, and resources—to bless and help others. Therefore, it is not a commercial enterprise with a profit motive. Nevertheless, there are rewards for the services.
I believe that the rewards from ministry services are more durable and satisfying than profits from businesses. Acts 20:35 (NKJV) says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This implies that there is more joy to be found in God when we give than when we receive. God Himself gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ, because He loved us so much that the Son died on the cross for our sake.
From April this year, I activated my YouTube channel as a way of reaching out to people and adding value to their lives. My joy comes from knowing that I am leaving a legacy for future generations. I often ask myself how I will be remembered after this life.
Writing books provides an opportunity to tell your personal stories. Everyone has unique stories about themselves. The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), of which I am a member, believes in sharing personal stories as a means of evangelism. Members share their life stories before and after meeting our Lord Jesus Christ to win souls.
