Remarks of Dr. Nwachukwu Egbunike, Publisher and Head of Pan-Atlantic University Press (PAU Press) at the Public Presentation of Curved Fortunes (a collection of poems) by Professor Mark Nwagwu on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Arts, Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Protocols
Life will be uncomfortable without science and technology. But it will be unbearable without the arts, particularly poetry. We are gathered to celebrate one of Nigeria’s renowned contemporary poets. Mark Nwagwu’s poetry canonical works in the trilogy: HelenaVenus, Cat Man Dews and Life Came Upon Me are considered one of the few works that exclusively draw their inspiration from Helen Nwagwu, his late wife’s eyes. It is upon this intimidating literary tradition that Nwagwu’s Curved Fortunes, the first collection of poems to be published by Pan-Atlantic University Press – sits upon.
Indeed, life’s fortune comes not in straight lines but in curves. It is in this intricate, albeit complicate reality, the poet expounds on themes that are as varied as life itself. The poet, in vivid but delicate strokes, paints strong imageries that transport the reader into exultant ecstasy. With a voice that is strong, flexible yet firm, Nwagwu transmits the variations of poetical helixes in complex DNAs.
In accordance with Pan-Atlantic University’s strategic policy direction as enunciated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enase Okonedo, PAU Press’ cardinal objective is to drive ‘teaching & learning’ and ‘research & scholarship’. The decision to publish Nwagwu was not so difficult. His work roared with thundering rage waiting to be birthed. The raw depth of his intellectual creativity and pedigree was intimidating. Nwagwu’s Curved Fortune passed the test and was given the nod by the editorial board to be published.
Hence, we are not only witnesses to a celebration of one of Nigeria’s finest poets. But we are first-hand observers of the growth of literary creativity and scholarship that will be nursed into life from Pan-Atlantic University Press. Let it therefore be always remembered that this first step in the great literary tradition of PAU Press was catalysed by Mark Nwagwu’s Curved Fortunes.
As a university press, we have the unusual advantage of being at the service of the Pan-Atlantic University community. With three schools (School of Media & Communication, School of Management & Social Sciences, and School of Science & Technology), and the Institute of Humanities, you are warmly invited to purchase some copies of Curved Fortunes for the undergraduate students in these schools. What better way of enduring Mark Nwagwu’s work into material immortality than by investing it in young minds, our future.
Thank you for coming.
