Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from AWASE Bookhouse, Publisher, Makurdi.
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For the days we feel like giving up:
Success is not final. It is something you have to keep working to maintain.
Failure is not final either. It can be remedied with hard work and determination.
We pray for the courage and resilience to keep grinding steadily, either way.
Good morning friends.
Hello friends!
Only 12 spaces left!
Apply now as we are taking 10 schools and 20 students only!
ANNOUNCING THE THIRD ACE BOOKSQUARE/MAYANGE KATYO WORKSHOP ON FICTION, GBOKO 2024
Ace Booksquare and Karissa Foundation in collaboration with Victoria Pember Foundation are delighted to announce the third edition of our writing workshop designed to help secondary school students who have demonstrated some interest in literary creativity hone their writing skills.
Through a series of interactive sessions and writing exercises, the facilitators will take the participants through the stages of writing begining from generating writing ideas to editing and actual publishing of outstanding participants' manuscripts.
Don't let your students miss this opportunity.
Apply now to secure spaces for them.
We are taking a maximum of two students only per school.
See details of application guidelines on the flyer below.
For further inquiries, call 08078029212
Good luck, and we look forward to meeting you at the workshop!
Congratulations to Michelle, Esther and Matilda, winners in the Ace Booksquare April, 2024 book review competition.
Our book of the month was Igba Ogbole 's AGABA GOES TO COLLEGE.
Kudos to our author of the month, the judges, parents and guardians , and all who made the activity a success.
Thanks to Fr. David Pember - Wan Mimi - who graciously provided the cash prizes.
Copies of AGABA GOES TO COLLEGE are still available at N3k only.
Send a dm to me or the author to get copies.
Cheers!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/D9HctcvVUoQEHar4/?mibextid=oFDknk
Hello friends!
It's World Book and Copyright Day!
Today , I appreciate all writers, especially those making efforts to produce reading materials for children.
Through their efforts, the future of our nation and the world generally is secure in the hands of informed and knowledgeable leaders.
Join me in marking this important event by reading my review of the lovely children's book by Adaeze Nwadike titled NWAMMIRI.
Adaeze's NWAMMIRI is a story thar revolves around
environmental degradation, social responsibility, honesty, education , interpersonal relationships and much more.
Trust me, it is a book all our children should own and read.
Thanks to Prof. Unoma Azuah whose Cooking Pot Publishing has done a topnotch job of the book: Great printing, attractive illustrations and much more.
Please friends, follow the link below to read my review of the book.
I see the hand of my boss, Mr. Terwase Swande , aka Swans VC, clearly in this one. š
Okay, friends, encourage your students, children, wards, any eligible persons you know who are gifted in the literary arts, to make a go at this.
MY CONFESSION
For the first time in ages, I did not attend morning mass with family on my birthday.
It wasn't surprising though as I haven't felt up to much recently.
So as usual in recent times, I woke with a feeling of ambivalence.
Then the flood of calls began to come in, some even before I could drag myself out of bed to acknowledge the birthday song by family.
The flood continued.
With every comment
With every prayer
With every message
With every reaction to my post
My spirit buoyed.
I could feel your love, like a warm embrace, squeezing out the blandness in my heart till I soared.
So I thought I would write you all a poem to appreciate the ocean of goodwill into which you threw me in style.
I failed at the first, second, third and fourth attempts.
So today, I have decided to be humble and say a simple thank you, for words have failed me.
I pray earnestly that God may give me the grace to live up to all your noble thoughts of me.
Thank youš
Thank you š
Thank you š
Encourage your children, your students and wards to take part in the Ace Booksquare April 2024 Book Review Activity.
-Taking part in this actually will give them the confidence to express themselves before an audience and before a camera.
-The activity will also help them think critically and develop analytical skills.
I'm sure you don't need anyone to tell you these are invaluable skills in the contemporary society.
In addition to all that, participants stand a chance to win cash prizes.
Don't let your child/student/ward miss this great!
Buy a copy of AGABA GOES TO COLLEGE today only.
Contact the author , Mr.Igba Ogbole , or send me a dm.
You can also indicate interest in the comments section and we'll contact you.
Meanwhile, here's a lovely entry from the January edition of the children's book review activity to live up your evening.
Participant: Esther Denen-Orkar .
https://fb.watch/rlnH8Io0Gm/?mibextid=Nif5oz
ACE BOOKSQUARE BOOK TALK COMPETITION FOR APRIL, 2024
Do you have a child/ward who is in Basic 7 - 9?
Can he/she read a book and say a few words about it?
Then enter him/her for the Ace Booksquare Book Talk Competition for April, 2024.
Participants stand a chance to win cash prizes
First Prize: N10,000. Second Prize: 5,000
Third Prize: N5,000
To win:
-Get a copy of Igba Ogbole's AGABA GOES TO COLLEGE
-Read the book.
-Do a video of the child answering the following questions:
1. What is your name?
2. How old are you?
3. What is the name of your school and in what class are you?
4.Did you enjoy reading AGABA GOES TO COLLEGE ?
5. Which is your favourite chapter in the book (state the title and summarise it) and what do you like about the chapter
6. What lessons have you learnt from the book?
7. Do you have a favourite character in the book?
8. What do you like about the character?
9.Tell us about any other thing you like or dislike in the book.
GUIDELINES
-All videos must be in English.
-All videos should be sent to 08078029212 via WhatsApp.
-Deadline for submission is 30th April ,2024.
NOTE: The videos will be posted on the Ace Booksquare page.
To get copies of AGABA GOES TO COLLEGE, contact:
The author - 08138698484
Regina - 08078029212
Hello friends!
What better way to enjoy your holiday than to read an interesting book for leisure?
Enrich your mind while relaxing your muscles.
We've got very interesting books we you'd love to read.
Send a message to 08078029212 to pick any of the above.
ON ACE BOOKSQUARE, WE DO NOT ONLY READ AND REVIEW BOOKS, WE ALSO FOSTER GREAT RELATIONSHIPS
Nothing pleases me more than seeing people who met through Ace Booksquare doing great stuff together.
I was so excited this morning to see that ardent reviewer and supporter of the club, Msughter Raphael Chekwa , had made George Iortema , playwright and literary enthusiast, judge in his Tiv poetry competition.
This is just one of very many instances.
E remain Ace Booksquare marriage wey we never see.
If that one happen, Father Wan Mimi will have to come home and do the joining himself. ššš
Good morning good people.
I love the smell of a brand new book!
We call this being prepared.
Totally not my fault at all!
Hello friends !
The Poetry Rendition and Review Activity on Ace Booksquare which began in January, 2024 has come to a close!
We're overwhelmed by the display of talent and passion showcased by the young participants throughout this event.
To our esteemed judge, Mr. Fater Vanger , who went ahead to donate cash prizes worth 20k for the first, second and third place winners, your discerning views were invaluable in selecting the best among the best. We appreciate you.
To our poet of the month, Mr. Peter Katyo , whose wonderful book titled FLOUNDERING HOPES formed the basis of the activity, and who also generously donated cash awards for all other participants besides the first three, your cooperation and support in no small measure fueled creativity and inspired these budding performers.
To Msughter Raphael Chekwa , who generously donated 5 copies of FLOUNDERING HOPES to intending participants, some of whom unfortunately did not turn in entries, we deeply appreciate your zeal to promote the literary arts.
Special thanks to all who liked, commented on, and shared our videos. It was a privilege to have you with us on this wonderful journey!
Please stay tuned as we will be bringing you another interesting reading and book review activity for young people.
Copies of FLOUNDERING HOPES are available for sale in Makurdi only.
You can visit the Benue State University Bookshop to get copies or call/WhatsApp 08078029212.
A SHORT STORY EDITORS AND CRITICS SHOULD REFLECT ON
(I can't resist sharing this story with you, though the author did not have literary critics or editors in mind when he told it).
"There was a king who left his servant in charge of the castle while he went in a journey. The king had a falcon. The servant had never seen a falcon so when he saw the king's falcon, he thought it was a deformed pigeon. Out of compassion for the bird, he clipped its claws and filed its beak so it would look more like a pigeon."
-Max Lucado
Se we have a man who maimed a falcon because he had never seen one before!
THIRD PLACE WINNER IN THE JANUARY Ace Booksquare POETRY RENDITION AND REVIEW ACTIVITY
Participant: Precious Ezekiel of Government Girls' College, MAKURDI
Book Title: FLOUNDERING HOPES
Author: Peter Katyo
Book Donor: Msughter Raphael Chekwa
Prize Donor: Fater Vanger
https://fb.watch/q_6xvVmkMz/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Hello friends!
Still in the spirit of World Poetry Day celebration, visit Ace Booksquare and watch this rendition of "Sankera, My Sankera" by 11 year old Samuel Tsavhee of COE Practicing School, Katsina-Ala.
The poem is written by Peter Katyo .
https://fb.watch/qZ15X9sqJU/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Hello friends!
Happy World Poetry Day!
In the spirit of the celebration, follow our poetry performance/rendition posts in Ace Booksquare today.
Poet of the month: Peter Katyo
Judge/prize donor: Fater Vanger
This activity was supported by Msughter Raphael Chekwa who donated 5 copies of the poetry book to interested participants.
Special thanks to them all.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/QFm8PfZP9uZkqsjX/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Hello friends!
It's World Poetry Day! A day when voices from every corner of the globe resonate through verse, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of human expression.
In the spirit of this celebration, we are thrilled to share entries for our January 2024 poetry performance/rendition and review competition.
We are grateful for this opportunity to appreciate the incredible talent of our poet of the month, Peter katyo, and the intelligence and insight of the participants in this activity.
Each entry captivated us with its unique perspective on the poems, showing us how humans generally see the world through different lenses.
Hearty congratulations to all the winners and participants.
Here's to a world where poetry continues to thrive, enriching our lives with its beauty and wisdom!
THE LIFE OF BABA SIMON DONDO ACHIE
THE BEGINNING
Baba Simon Dondo Achie was born around 1935 into the household of Achie Kigh Abur in Tse-Kigh, Mbaagena, Mbaatuul, Mbakuha, Mbagwa in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State. His mother, Mbaibon Achie, was the daughter of Ginde Mkem of Mbaigyu, Ipav, in Gboko Local Government Area. Baba Achie was the third of three children, his elder sisters being Nguede (deceased) and Tinga (deceased).
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
As a young boy, Dondo spent his formative years among his mother's kin in Mbaigyu, immersed in the rich traditions of the Tiv people, engaging in agricultural work and tending to cattle. However, following his father's demise in 1953, Dondo's uncle, Asobo Kigh Abur, brought him back to live with his paternal relatives in Ameladu, as per his mother Mbaibon's wishes. It was during this period that Dondo commenced his formal education, enrolling at Roman Catholic Mission (R.C.M.) Primary School Bua, subsequently moving to R.C.M. Sokpo, and eventually completing his primary education at R.C.M. Abwa in Mbagen in 1961. His educational journey continued at St. Augustine's Teachersā College, Lafia, where he earned his Grade II Teachersā Certificate in 1966. Later, in 1972, he pursued a Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1974.
WORK LIFE
Following the completion of his Grade II Teachersā education, Baba Achie embarked on a career in education, initially employed by the Native Authority in Primary Education. He commenced his teaching tenure at St. Francis Primary School, Agidi, in 1967, later transferring to L.G.E.A. Primary School, Ande, in Mbayion until 1972 when he went to Ibadan to pursue further studies. Upon returning from Ibadan, he joined the Adult Education Service of the Benue-Plateau State Ministry of Education, where he served diligently across various locations until his retirement as Principal Master I with the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, Makurdi, Benue State in December 1998.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
During his tenure at St. Francis Primary School, Agidi, Baba Achie met his beloved wife, Mama Esther Mnguenyi, daughter of Baaki Shawa of Dur in Mbazaka, Mbatiav of Gboko Local Government Area. Their union was blessed with eight children.
1. Dr. Basil Bemgba Achie
2. Mr. David Dzandzan Achie
3. Mrs. Agnes Ngunan Hanmaikyur
4. Ms. Catherine Vadoo Achie (deceased)
5. Mrs. Bridget Aver Josiah
6. Mrs. Regina Awase Nege
7. Ms. Margaret Mngohol Achie
8. Ms. Rosemary Hembafan Achie (deceased)
In addition to his children, Baba Achie was blessed with several grandchildren and took pride in his role as a grandfather, nurturing the following grandchildren:
1. Leo Hanmaikyur
2. Theresa Hanmaikyur
3. Tiza Hanmaikyur
4. Awase Hanmaikyur
5. Lois Wandoo Achie
6. Theresa Vadoo Achie
7. Solomon Aondona Achie
8. Michelle Member Achie
9. Uzoma Benedict Josiah
10. Chidiebere Josiah (deceased)
11. Ebubechukwu Josiah
12. Ignatius Bughshima Nege
13. Michael Kenter Nege
14. Joan Seāember Nege
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
Baba Achie embraced his Catholic faith wholeheartedly, receiving baptism in 1956 and subsequently receiving confirmation. He exchanged vows with Mama Esther Mnguenyi in the Church, and together they raised their children in the Catholic faith, presenting each for infant baptism. Baba Achie was deeply devoted to his religious practices, regularly praying the Holy Rosary and chaplet of Divine Mercy. He actively participated in various church societies, including the Holy Family Society, St. Joseph Society, Catholic Men Organization (CMO), and the Tiv Catholic Community.
ILLNESS AND DEATH
Baba Achie enjoyed good health most of his life. He rarely had any health challenges until August 2018, when he was injured in an accident. It was while he was being treated for this injury that he was found to have high blood pressure, a condition he managed until the very end.
As God blessed him with length of days re he became the oldest member of the Tse-Kigh Abur kindred in 2016 and was recognized as the father (orya) of the kindred. He was steadfast in this role, promoting peace and unity within the family. He was also the Patron of the Mbakuha Development Association in Makurdi, where he lived.
Sadly, Baba Achie took ill and subsequently departed this world peacefully at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Apir, Benue State on Monday, 26th February, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. The Merciful Lord Jesus, in whom Baba Achie had complete trust, called him to glory a few minutes after 3:00 P.M., the Hour of Mercy. His passing marked the end of a life richly lived, leaving behind a legacy of faith, dedication and familial love.
May the soul of Late Baba Simon Dondo Achie and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
APPRECIATION
We extend our profound appreciation to our dear friends and all who stood with us during this difficult time. Your comforting words, unwavering support, and acts of kindness were a true source of strength as we bid farewell to Baba Simon Dondo Achie. Your presence meant the world to us.
We are deeply grateful for your heartfelt condolences and generous contributions. Your support eased our burden and reminded us that we are not alone in our grief.
Now that Baba has been laid to rest, we pray for your safe journey back home, carrying with you the cherished memories of Baba Achie and our family's gratitude. May you be blessed with peace and comfort now and always through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
With sincere appreciation,
THE ACHIE FAMILY
Our Tributes
Anselm Nege
Baba, you left us at a time when we needed you most, but we are consoled that you are with God in heaven because you were a good man and you trusted completely in Godās mercy. May your soul rest in peace. Amen.
Seāember Nege
Dear Baba, you were one of the most precious persons in my life, not only a grandfather but a friend. I felt torn into pieces the morning I learnt of your death, yet being a devout Christian, I have confidence that your soul is resting with God in eternal life. Rest in peace Baba.
Kenter Nege
Dear Granddad, I was so sad when I heard the news of your death. Anytime I see your face, I remember what a loving grandfather you were. When you fell sick, I prayed for you. Now that you are gone, I pray that you intercede with God on our behalf. Rest in peace till we meet in Heaven.
Bughshima Nege
Dear Baba, I loved you so much and the news of your death touched me deeply. I am however grateful that you died as a devout Catholic, receiving Holy Communion on your death bed. I am sure that I have gained an angel in heaven and I ask you to intercede for us till we meet again in eternity. Rest in Peace Baba.
Regina Achie Nege
Dear Baba, I wish fervently that your passing were a dream from which I would wake tomorrow. The vacuum you have left is really large and I miss you dearly, but I find solace in the knowledge that for years, you had made peace with the knowledge that this world is not our home, and that God sent his ministers to prepare you adequately for the everlasting journey. Rest in soft peace Baba, till we meet to part no more Baba.
AWASE Bookhouse deeply appreciates the Chairman, Unique Schools, Makurdi, Engr. Felix Atume, for bulk purchase of one of our books, WHISPERS OF TOMORROW, an interesting and compelling novel authored by Peter Katyo , for use in a literary competition among teachers in his institution.
Engineer Atume's passion for promoting literary awareness deserves to be applauded. Not content with just a passive appreciation of literature, the Chairman of Unique Schools has made the institution an interesting "battleground" of literary wits by organising literary competitions among both teachers and students, thus creating a desirable atmosphere of intellectualism in the school.
The impact of this friendly disposition towards the literary arts is clear as students of Unique Schools are not just readers; they're literary prodigies. The outstanding performance of Unique students in the 2022 edition of the Ace Booksquare /Mayange Katyo literary workshops where stories by two students of the school were selected for publishing in an anthology is ample proof.
Sir, we at Awase Bookhouse are honored to be part of your efforts to promote reading and encourage creativity not only through lip service but also through actual patronage.
We equally appreciate Okpani Igba Ogbole , a great writer and publisher, and good friend of Engr. Atume, for graciously recommending WHISPERS OF TOMORROW for use in this exciting activity.
Sir, we so not take this for granted.
Special thanks to the principal of Unique Schools, an award winning teacher, Mr. Ortserga Samuel Sesugh , for his diligence in ensuring that the students take advantage of every opportunity provided to hone their literary skills.
Sir, your hard work is already yielding fruits.
Congratulations to.the author, Mr. Peter Katyo. May more individuals and institutions realise the value of this great work and hurry to pick copies for themselves, their friends and others.
Hello friends! It's break time here. I hope it's same at your end.
Here are a few words to help refresh your spirit while you refresh your body with a snack, a drink, water or whatever you're having:
Tackle all challenges with positivity, optimism and resilience.
In the face of the prevailing dismal economic conditions, remember, adaptability is a superpower.
What can you begin to scale down? What can you forgo for the good of your family or other dependants?
Embrace small victories, prioritize self-care and healthy practices.
Lean on your support network and be a shoulder they can lean on too.
Read a book, watch a movie, share a joke, pose like a don and take a photo ...
Together, we'll navigate these waters and emerge stronger.
Now, share your tips for staying upbeat and motivated in the face of daunting challenges below.
Hello friends!
Remember, our book of the month on Ace Booksquare is FLOUNDERING HOPES. This means we are going to be talking about the book till January, 31st.
Below is an except from a review of FLOUNDERING HOPES by Joseph Iorhii, PhD:
" Peter Katyo 's linguistic skills show traces of one on the path to becoming an accomplished poet. His English is almost cut-glass perfect and his phrase turns are lovely. His language contains several pithy and fine expressions that I admiringly call shinning expressions, which one would find quotable. Some of the notable shinning expressions are: āIf the temple collapses/chaos will spring from the rubbleā (Poem 3, page 9); āā¦our tomorrow is murdered/ with the laser cut of a guillotineā (Poem 4, page 11); āMorals are slowly cremated/with sweet-smelling fragrance/to diffuse the smothering stench/oozing from the decay of civilizationā (Poem 6, page 14); āthe chariot blundered and buckled/amidst floundering hopes and fortunes/as the golden armour disintegrates into dustā (Poem 10, page 24); āthe finest now scramble for crumbs/in a dance of shameā; āonly the tradition of table manners/is now fervently observedā (poem 14, page 28); āsqualor snores gleefully/besides blinding splendorā (Poem 18, page 37); ādeath so vain/swoops on the most promisingā (Poem 22, page, 45)."
Please visit Ace Booksquare to read the full review.
A copy of FLOUNDERING HOPES costs N1000 naira only.
Send a dm or call/WhatsApp 08097514471 - Makurdi.
08063126721 - Abuja.
Hello friends!
Here is what Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher has to say about WHISPERS OF TOMORROW:
"WHISPERS OF TOMORROW rovides a horizon where there is space for integrity to triumph over corruption, and the youth and old alike take nation-building seriously. The sheer enjoyability of the novel is in the author's passionate idealism."
Have you picked a copy of this captivating, entertaining and enlightening book by Peter Katyo ?
Send a message via dm or call/WhatsApp 08097514471 to get a copy at 5k.
Copies available in Makurdi and Abuja. We can send copies to other states too ( Terms and conditions apply).
Good morning friends!
I hope you are all fine.
One sure way to enrich your life this year is by building up your library,book after book.
Trust me, this is an endeavor no one ever regrets .
So here are some books I have for sale:
1. "Let Me Die Another Day", Award winning poetry book by Regina Achie Nege, 1,500
2. "Ad Fine Fidelis: A History of Mount Carmel College..." by Regina Achie Nege (with foreword by Fr. Angus Fraser), 1,500
3. "Floundering Hopes" (Book of the month on Ace Booksquare )by Peter Katyo, 1k
4. "Whispers of Tomorrow", novel, by Peter Katyo, 5k
5. "Voices from Ace Booksquare", collection of literary reviews edited by Joshua Agbo, Frank Kyungun and Regina Achie Nege, 1k.
6. "Healing from Marital Infidelity" by Fr. Matthew Igbawua, 3k
Send a message in my dm or call/WhatsApp 08097514471 and let's talk.
Gate of the Year
(Timeless Poem by Minnie Haskins)
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,
āGive me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.ā
And he replied:
āGo out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.ā
So I went forth, and finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
The Ace Booksquare family heartily felicitates Mr. Igba Ogbole on the occasion of his birthday.
Sir, since the inception of the club, you have been a constant pillar of support, participating, writing, reviewing, giving talks, and most importantly, making out time to be with us even when we are reading with children!
We waited until almost midnight so that our voices could be heard above the loud cheers that greeted your day in the morning.
Cheers to you as begin another chapter in the amazing story of your life!
Makurdi
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Hello friends! It's been a beautiful journey so far, from August to December, 2023. We hope to do so much more with you in 2024. Here's to a new year filled with more wonderful books and lots of time to read!!! Happy new year! From all of us at AWASE Bookhouse .
A large chair does not make a king
Gs Takaa
Saint M.D Prints And Publishing
No 6 Balewa Crescent High Level
