STEPHEN .O. ABARA AND HIS LITERARY WORK (A PROFILE AND REVIEW)
By Nwaorgu Faustinus
Stephen Obinna Abara, Author and Poet, hails from Ngor-Okpala L.G.A in Imo State. Born to the family of late Engineer Albert Abara, and Ezinne Eileen Abara of Umuene, Stephen is gradually but steadily creating a niche for himself in the literary sphere. His maiden book was published by OGUSA publication series 2000, entitled: A Historical Review of Education in Obiangwu (1900-2000).
A former President of Obiangwu Graduates and Undergraduates Association (OGUSA) from 2000 -2001, Stephen used his position at the time to champion the interest of students, graduates and people from his town by creating educational awareness and community development.
Currently a Nigerian-Canadian Author of two books and a poet, Stephen founded the Glendon African Foundation Canada (GAF) where he serves as the GAF’s Chairman. Also a two-term Senator Representative at the York University and the winner of the Glendon African Poetry Competition at the University in 2008-09, Stephen is the Author and Editor of the ‘Best Selling book of African Inspired Poetry entitled,’ Anthology of African Poetry, U.S.A
He has performed Spoken and Heard Poetry across Canada both at the University, Toronto Library, Rise Poetry Group Scarborough, Up from the roots at Harlem, International Conferences, Nubian Spoken Word Events, Igbo Religious Events in Etobicoke, Afro Fest 2012, Poetry Express Book launch Accent on Eglinton. He has also performed at Rathburn Youth Centre event on Anti-Violence and Anti-Bullying among Youths in Canada; Healing the Wounds-Dreams Affected by Violence among Somalia’s organized by Somalia Student Association York University, and currently the Miss Black Beauty Canada 2012.
An award winner of the renowned Canadian Millennium Scholarship Fund, Stephen is a holder of bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy, Arts, International Studies and Political Science from Urban University Rome, University of Port Harcourt Nigeria, West Africa, and York University Canada respectively.
Stephen who often wears an amiable, inviting, and friendly facial expression is an adventurist, having traversed the length and breadth of Europe, America and Africa, and has never stopped learning new things while reading and writing poetry.
His love of poetry and writing has inspired his collection and creation of a range of poems (Anthology of African Poetry – reviewed by Yvonne Maria Phillip), fiction, drama and non-fiction. His forthcoming book is a drama entitled, OME IHE JIDE OFO! – A book with universal message of Peace, Truth and Justice
Get a copy of Stephen‘s book at:
www.amazon.com, Barne & Nobles, Toronto Library Canada, Harriet Tubman Institute of Global Migration York University Canada, York University Book Stores, and Accent on Eglinton, and Xlibris.com