On Wednesday, 29th January 2025, the literary community gathered at Quintessence, Ikoyi, Lagos, for the highly anticipated launch of two thought-provoking books: Wheels of Imagination: Adventures and Verses of Resilience by Tomi Wright and The Healthy Perfectionist by Kome Otobo. The event, organised by Malthouse Press Limited in collaboration with Quintessence Nigeria Limited, was a celebration of storytelling, resilience, and intellectual discourse.
The book presentation was graced by an array of distinguished guests, reflecting the significance of the occasion. Veteran actress, director, and philanthropist Ms Ajoke Silva MFR was the Special Guest of Honour for Wheels of Imagination, while legal luminary Ms Stella Amachree, Founding Partner of Stella S. Amachree & Co., served as the Special Guest of Honour for The Healthy Perfectionist. The event chair was Mr Frank Nweke II, a respected social action advocate and former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Chief Agnes Ojehomon (née Otobo), Chair of Malthouse Press Ltd, played a key role in the proceedings.
Renowned literary and academic figures provided insightful reviews of the books. Dr Solomon Azumurana, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos, reviewed Wheels of Imagination on behalf of Professor Hope Eghagha. He explored the book’s themes of resilience and philosophical reflections on life from the perspective of a disabled individual. On the other hand, The Healthy Perfectionist was reviewed by Professor Festus Emiri SAN, a distinguished legal scholar, who examined the book’s compelling exploration of perfectionism in various spheres of life and its impact on individuals.
The event attracted a stellar lineup of intellectuals, business leaders, and creatives. Among the notable guests were Lady Maiden Ibru MFR, Chair and Publisher of The Guardian Newspapers; Professor Karen King-Aribisala, a Commonwealth prize-winning author; Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Senior Adviser at Dangote Industries Limited; and Mr Maje Ayida, a corporate wellness coach and media personality. Their presence underscored the broad appeal and importance of the books being presented.
Tomi Wright’s Wheels of Imagination is a captivating collection of stories, poems, and reflections that provide deep insights into the experiences of living with disabilities. Through meticulous research and personal narratives, the book offers a unique and compelling perspective on life’s challenges and triumphs. It encourages readers to embrace resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
Kome Otobo’s The Healthy Perfectionist delves into the complexities of perfectionism, offering psychological tools and practical advice for achieving a balanced and healthy approach to personal and professional life. The book takes readers on a global journey, examining how perfectionism manifests in families, workplaces, governance, healthcare, and social media. It is an essential read for anyone looking to navigate and overcome perfectionist tendencies.
The launch was not only a platform for literary appreciation but also a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping societal narratives. The collaboration with Quintessence Nigeria Limited, a hub for African arts and culture, further enriched the event, reinforcing the importance of promoting African literature and intellectual discourse.
With an atmosphere filled with engaging discussions, book readings, and intellectual camaraderie, the launch of Wheels of Imagination and The Healthy Perfectionist was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired by the depth of thought and creativity exhibited in both works.
International readers can buy copies of Wheels of Imagination & The Healthy Perfectionist from:
🛒 Amazon (Worldwide)
🛒 African Books Collective
(Worldwide)
https://www.africanbookscollective.com/books/wheels-of-imagination
https://www.africanbookscollective.com/books/the-healthy-perfectionist
Nigerian readers can buy copies of Wheels of Imagination & The Healthy Perfectionist from:
🛒 Rovingheights, nationwide
🛒 Quintessence, Ikoyi, Lagos
Pictorial highlights from the event could be seen below.
