Rhoda Johnston-Smith Release A New Book At The Age Of 88,Tittled : Destined To Be Different

At a time when the majority of her octogenarian colleagues have relegated themselves to the background, retired educationist, Rhoda Johnston-Smith, is still putting pen to paper.

Many ‘senior Lagosians’ joined others to celebrate the 88-year-old last Thursday when she presented two new books – Destined to be different and Realities of Life.

At the event were a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Lateefa Okunnu; ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Olujimi Jolaoso; Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase, among others.

The octogenarian,  who published her first literature, Miss Williams Cookery Book,  in 1957, explained that writing has become a way of life for her,  adding that she is poised towards impacting the right values in the current generation through her writings.

“For instance, one of my new books, Destined to be Different, my autobiography,  will inspire anyone one who reads it.  There were some things that happened to me in life but I have used positive thinking and thoughts to help see myself through. These are some of the things I put together in the book,” she added.

She explained that writing is one potent way she uses to take her mind off brooding over unpleasant life experiences. She said when she lost her first son who was aged 50, rather than cry, she picked up her pen and started writing about the pleasant memories and times she had with him while he was alive.

“Rather than lamenting or regretting about happenings around me, I do things that will make me happy and that is writing. When my beloved son died at 50, rather than cry all the days of my life, I preoccupied myself with the thoughts of what he had achieved in his 50 years.

“God gave him to me for 50 years,  what if he had died at childhood. At least he gave me grandchildren before he died. Then I wrote a book about his life - A Gift of Fifty Years. However, the book is not for sale. In this way, instead of brooding over the negative, I focused on the positive.”

Reviewing Destined to be Different, Chief Rotimi Williams noted that the 200-page book evoked strong emotion of love and empathy as the literature represents her personal philosophy of life. He said both the young and old have something to take away from the book if read.

In her review of Realities of Life, Mrs. Edobong Akpabio lauded Johnston-Smith for being at the forefront of the push to revive the reading culture as well as effect positive change in the society in spite of her age.

Akpabio explained that the book was written in simple English,  making it accessible for all categories of readers. She noted that the book is suitable for family discussions, doctrinal studies and reviews, as well as marriage counseling sessions.

“This book is full of moral lessons and is recommended for adults who have lost touch with reality. When read, it will stimulate thought and meet the challenges of this modern day generation,” Akpabio added.