INTRODUCTION

"My Pen, My Life"

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At six O'clock on 5 June, 1997, I was on my way to the Osun State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp, Baptist High School Ede. As I walked out of the motorcyclist "Okada man" that dropped me at Aba main park, I heard a rushing sound behind me. I hadn't time to waste in order to catch up with an early bus going to Lagos. Instantly, someone slapped me hard on my face and pushed me to the ground. My luggage was seized from me by these hoodlums.

"Give me my bag" I shouted again and again. They quickly searched the bag and weren't satisfied with the content. Commuters started running towards us, shouting. The men decided to be on their heels, one of them took with him my rotring rapidographic pen. Trembling and in pain, I pursued him and he dropped it on the ground and disappeared.

One of my rescuers asked me why I had risked my life pursuing a tout. "He had my pen" "A pen?" he exclaimed. "Is a pen more important than your life? Of course, life is more important than a pen. But in so many ways my pen was my life. Pen is very significant in my life. Pen has given me values and honours. It enhances my joy and happiness. It has continued to define and identify me. Pen is the best physical companion I have.

My pen means and shall remain gold at all season. Gold is widely known in this world. It's been highly valued in the society throughout ages. Its standard has provided basis for evaluations. Gold also, has been linked to variety of symbolism and ideologies. Great human achievements are frequently rewarded with gold, while great men had written their names in gold. I think this assertion, prompted HRM Eze Jehu Chinedu Ngobi (JP) Avosi II of Isiala-Nvosi Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A of Abia State, Nigeria on 25th May, 2001 conferred on Emmanuel Kelechi Chinedu Amucha an Igbo traditional title of MKPISI OLA EDO meaning, THE GOLDEN PEN.