Nigeria, Dec. 19 -- Odia Ofeimun is formidably learned and insightful. His poetry and journalism are distinguished by their eloquence and dazzling intelligence. Deriving strength and confidence in stubborn hope, he fights relentlessly for social justice, economic equity and political fairness. As a young man, Odia was obstinate, irreverent, self-respecting and sassy. He never bowed to penury. He never bowed to bullies. Conscious of the significance of the Esan name he bears with pride, he has continued to be honest, courageous and consistent. At sixteen, he had read and re-read many great writers all across the globe, who then made him an incredible bibliophile and a great poet. Before he turned twenty, he wrote many of the frequently lum...