Nollywood actresses, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and other successful movie stars, business executives and musicians have been profiled in two new books by publisher and editor-in-chief of Yes! International Magazine, Azuh Arinze.
Since her Nollywood film debut in 1995, Omotola has appeared in over 300 films, selling millions of video copies.
Genevieve won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first actor to win the award. In 2011, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Federal Government for her contribution to Nollywood.
At an exclusive virtual media event on Monday, Mr Arinze announced the launch of his literary pieces titled, Success is not served A La Carte and Encounters – Lessons from My Journalism Career.
The first book, Success is not served A La Carte, is an enlightening collection of one-on-one interview sessions with 30 high-profile individuals in the country including Christopher Kolade of Cadbury/LBS, Tony Ezenna of Orange Drugs, Anselm Madubuko of Revival Assembly, Steve Babaeko of X3M Ideas, popular footballers Kanu Nwankwo, footballer, Austin Okocha; film director, Tade Ogidan; veteran actors, Olu Jacobs, Pete Edochie and Dele Odule, among others.
The book explores the success stories of these individuals and also provides key insights into their lives.
In the foreword written by the chairman, ThisDay editorial board, Olusegun Adeniyi, he described the book as a fascinating collection that would inspire and fire the imagination of its readers.
The second book, Encounters – Lessons from My Journalism Career, chronicles the experiences of the author throughout his career.
Through this book, Arinze allows readers to examine 20 years’ worth of journalistic experience in 60 captivating chapters.
By flipping through the pages of this book, readers will see how the author earned his trademark and reputation as a quintessential interviewer and journalist with an eye for details.
Rev Fr Chijioke Azuawusiefe of the University of Pennsylvania, USA described the book as “beautifully written, captivating, enchanting, engrossing and enriching.”
The book also highlights some of his encounters with the likes of Jim Ovia, Dele Momodu, Onyeka Onwenu, Tony Elumelu, Dora Akunyili, Bianca Ojukwu, Olusegun Osoba, Rotimi Amaechi, Festus Keyamo, Gbenga Adeyinka and Julius Agwu among others.
In addition to the tales of his encounters with these top executives, the book also features a 16-paged all colour pullout with photographs of the author and some of the heavyweights he has interacted with over the years. They include Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Aliko Dangote and many others.
Following the exclusive media unveiling, the books will be available for pre-order on the Yes! Magazine website for N2,500.
Speaking on the books, the author, Arinze, said: “The two books are not only intriguing, but they also come with a money-back guarantee. If you buy them and don’t enjoy them, tell me and you will get a refund.”
“Writing these two books has been a deeply personal experience as the process has allowed me the space to honestly reflect on a life-changing career that not only brought me my wife but taught me invaluable lessons,” he added.
Arinze was the editor of Encomium Weekly from 2003 to 2011. Prior to that, he edited Reel Stars Magazine. He is also the proud publisher of three other books which are Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous, and The CEO’s Bible volumes 1 and 2.
