Five books in celebration of Architect Ikenna Chukwueke at 50

Two weeks ago, my friend and brother, Architect Ikenna Chukwueke, turned the corner into the golden age. Warm, hardworking, selfless and focused, Chukwueke, who is Deputy Managing Director of one of Nigeria’s leading property development groups, Cachez, was feted by family and friends in style. But beyond that, it is his attention to detail, his service to God, his charity, his community service and his contribution to the beauty of the Abuja landscape that continues to set him apart. Married to my friend and sister, the unassuming and beautiful, Tosan Chukwueke, Ikenna represents the very best of Nigeria and his dealings with many International bodies and professionals showcase his professionalism and has given Nigeria the requisite P.R. it needs as he is hardworking and his mantra is integrity. I celebrate Ikenna in five books that define him and his elegant style.

1) A history of Architecture in 100 buildings by Dan Cruickshark. This is a beautifully illustrated book, a tour of the world’s most influential buildings. In the introduction of this amazing book, the author describes architecture as an adventure without end. The book includes many of the world’s best known structures and many less obvious ones, the unsung heroes of this incredible tale. The author who has visited most of the featured buildings in this book tells the stories in such an intimate and authoritative way.

2) The Architecture of Demas Nwoko written by John Godwin and Gillian Hopwood, looks at the essence and work of the visionary Architect, Demas Nwoko. Nwoko, a Nigerian artist is a protean designer, sculptor, fine actor, dancer and Master builder. The authors, both British Architects, who have lived in Nigeria for a very long time, wrote a book which is highly recommended for students of Architecture and Architects worldwide. This book captures the many facets of Nwoko’s career while keeping the focus on his Architecture.

3) Aside from projects, Architecture and interior design and his interest in designing spaces to taste, it is time for Architect Chukwueke to do something I recommend to all fifty-year-old men and which is pretty cathartic. Cooking. So get your pots out and all the spices with Tosan’s help you should be ready. A cookery book I recommend is My Cooking, a West African cookbook by Dokpe Ogunsanya. This is a selection of authentic West African recipes which is a fascinating glimpse into the West African kitchen.

4) Within the Frame: The journey of photographic vision by David Duchemin. This book is about finding and expressing your photographic vision. Again another hobby I recommend to all 50 year olds and over to take up. You see, photography gives you the leverage to remember the world as it was and capture the many changes taking place in our lifetime. In addition, as the creative that Architect Chukwueke is, he may often want a different angle other than what he is being given and may decide to shoot the angles himself. He may even do photography for leisure and photograph the sun setting from 30,000 miles above sea level. My brother, over to you.

5) The name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis. If such a book on faith does not get into this collection, we will certainly not be talking about Architect Ikenna, who takes his faith seriously. This book by Pope Francis is a fitting cap to the books I have selected in honor of my brother. This is the first book published by the Pope and translated by Oonagh Stransky. This book is published with the extraordinary jubilee of mercy. Pope invites all humanity to an intimate and personal dialogue on the subject closest to his heart, Mercy, which has long been the cornerstone of his faith and the central teaching of his papacy. In an interview with Vatican reporter, Andrea Tornielli, the Pope explains through his memories why mercy is God’s first attribute. He says “God does not want anyone to be lost. His mercy is infinitely greater than our sins”. A book much after my heart and for reflective reading.