Ghosts from the Past was published in 2008, and it has been widely used in secondary schools, universities and other higher institutions of learning. It is a classic book, approved in 2011 by the Ministry of Education, Abia State, Nigeria for secondary schools, and it sold very well.
Ghosts from the past was officially performed in May 14, 2012 by the English Department and Theatre Arts Department, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria with over one hundred cast at the UniUyo Playhouse. Abia State University Uturu, Imo State University, Owerri, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri (now, Alvan Ikoku University of Eucation), and many other higher institutions across the globe also use his books for teaching, in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Ghosts from the Past brings us to the realities of human situations, conditions, oppression, subjugation, social and political corruption, and avarice. Ifejimma is the heroine of the play. Ekwedike, Anyim, Nwokeike are revolutionary characters too. The situations that exist at different levels of the society and political scenes are seen in this book. Most of the situations bedevilling the human race are man-made, therefore man must save himself from any problem therein. Is it cool for man to stay and die in silence when he is facing difficult conditions? The book has the answer.
The young author, Bright Ifeanyi Ogbonye, in this piece, effectively attacked the social evils of oppression, greed and discrimination, which the common people suffer in the hands of those who see themselves as the rich; the upper class. It is indeed, a tremendous good work, and from all indications, ,Ogbonye, no doubt is a big asset to the literary world. His style of presentation is commended.
Anayo Okoli,
vanguard Newspapers.
… a book, replete with exploits. Written with great skill; well coordinated style and expression. This book is a companion for everyone.
Henry I. Nwachukwu
Author of The Trial, The Triumph.
Bright Ifeanyi Ogbonye is a valuable figure in the literary world. A brilliant dramatist, with bright ideas.
ABSU Literary
Foundation.
The author has brilliantly exposed the hypocrisy of the ruling class, vaulting ambition and the ambivalence of our society. A must read for ethical reorientation. The style is classic and brings out the dramatist in the author.
Matthias Nwogu
Senior Correspondent,
The Sun.
Ogbonye writes with beauty and uniqueness; his richness of language is very welcome…. The cultural and traditional values that bind the people and the opposing force….His portrayal of societal and political maladies are remarkable, coupled with his creativity and originality make this book timeless and therefore it is a monument to his talent as a man of letters…
Global
Newsmakers Magazine.
My Lucky Stars Oma ranks among the best books of all time in the world, as it has subtlety, sublimity and great depth. Also, the language used in the book is the language of poetry, thereby making the play a high play or a high drama and a remarkable book. Literature is all about life, and the state of literature as a moral technology is a great development; the author has been able to create a body of ideas and facts which mirror the conditions of his traditional Igbo society and the universal life. The brilliant introduction of the cross on stage as an object for dramatic representation of what happens in real life also underscores his mastery of literature.
My Lucky Stars Oma is very cerebral and full of undertones. Some dialogues in it are pithily expressed, and some that seem to be verbose have deeper meanings. In fact there are enough artistic qualities in the play which make it a successful work of art. It has a perfect fusion of poetry, drama, novel and the aesthetics of storytelling, to affirm socially acceptable behaviour or reject bad behaviour. The essence of its use here is to give a clearer dramatic experience of African heritage.
One of the greatest lessons to be learnt from the play is human insincerity. The author brings to mind a contrast between Christians and adherents of African traditional religion. He is inclined to give credence to our native religion due to its relevance in terms of responsibility and veracity…
Fada Prof. Jon Ofoegbu Ukaegbu,
Department of the Social and Behavioural Sciences at the Medgar Evers College of the City
University of New York, USA.
In My Lucky Stars Oma, Bright Ifeanyi Ogbonye weaves reality into literature in a style that gives imaginative colours and paints a clearer picture how momentary affluence can create a lifetime of regrets and also shows the rape of Christianity which occurs as a result of the society’s lust for wealth and breakthrough. A frustrated Adindu, still living in a regretful past, tries in vain to resuscitate a relationship initiated on a foundation of falsehood with a wayward wife, Nwaugo who is entangled in an unholy and discreet affair with Greg, a society pastor who fleeces his congregation. Adindu’s attempt to get Nwaugo back to become responsible again builds up in a dramatic imbroglio which leaves a trail of suspense that Bright has dexterity in bringing out in this play. My Lucky Stars Oma aptly captures what goes on in the everyday life of ordinary people living in a metropolitan society.
Ahaoma Kanu,
CNN Multichoice African
Journalist Award Winner(2012).
Bright Ifeanyi Ogbonye has by this phenomenal piece subsumed our contemporary societal ills under amorality and greed that have degenerated into crass pursuit of materialism. I highly recommend My Lucky Stars Oma to all students and the public for its moral and social value. The play makes compelling reading.
George Opara,
National Mirror
Newspapers.
Bright Ifeanyi Ogbonye’s poetry book, BIO- On Life published also in 2013 contains one hundred and twenty four poems which relate to life. The poems are arranged in alphabetical order for easy accessibility. He was able to engage the mind and heart through his poetic excellence. The language, quality and depth of all his works show high art which make him a great and famous writer.
In her examination of “Ekpe Ikwuano as Masquerade Drama” Prof. G.M.T Emezue writes: “This is an original research work which investigated the dramatic features of the Ekpe Ikwuano Masquerade Performance. It is an important study that contributes to the corpus of African Oral Literature.”
Ghosts From the Past – (2008)
My Lucky Stars Oma – (2013)
BIO- On Life – (2013)
Ekpe Ikwuano as Masquerade Drama– (2023)
Folk Sensibility in the Dominant Forms of Stickers in the Contemporary Nigerian Environment.
Visual Analysis of Ekpe Ikwuano Masquerade Drama.
Nigeria’s Economic Diplomacy towards Western African States – (2012)