Author unveils book on building lasting African christian homes

Author Victor Okonma has released a new book, ‘The Ideal Woman of an African Man’, offering what he describes as a practical and scripture-based guide to building enduring homes from an African Christian perspective.

According to Okonma, the book shifts attention from the glamour of weddings and outward appearances to the values and principles required to sustain a successful marriage.

He said the work focuses on “what it actually takes to build a home that lasts,” rather than relationships that merely appear successful.

Structured into three parts and comprising 20 chapters, the book explores themes ranging from the identity of a woman to her role in building and protecting the home. It addresses issues such as character, biblical submission, partnership, financial management, relationships with in-laws, conflict resolution, and the everyday decisions that strengthen or weaken a family.

The central message, the author noted, is that “beauty attracts a man, but character keeps a home.”

Okonma said the Bible, particularly the King James Version, remains his greatest literary influence, shaping both the content and style of his writing. He added that African oral traditions, including the use of proverbs and direct storytelling by older generations, also played a significant role in shaping the book.

Beyond literary influences, the author said observations of marriages over the years inspired the work. Having grown up in Nigeria, he said he witnessed homes sustained by women of exceptional character as well as marriages that failed despite wealth, beauty and public admiration.

He explained that his experiences living between Nigeria and Ireland further broadened his understanding of marriage, exposing him to the realities faced by African families both at home and in the diaspora.

“Every chapter in this book was first observed in real life before it was ever written down,” he said.

Speaking on what he hopes readers will gain from the publication, Okonma said he wants women to find clarity and hope by understanding the qualities required to build lasting homes and to believe they can develop such character. He also encouraged men to read the book and raise their own standards, arguing that “an ideal woman deserves a man who is worth building with.”

He added that his ultimate goal is to present readers with a biblical understanding of marriage that is practical and balanced, rather than one driven by unrealistic romantic expectations or bitterness.

Offering advice to aspiring authors, Okonma urged writers to prioritise completing their manuscripts.

“Most people do not fail at writing; they fail at finishing,” he said, encouraging authors to write from personal conviction, pay close attention to editing and presentation, and work with publishers who respect their work.

The author also disclosed that he is currently working on another book centred on Nigeria and its economy. While declining to reveal further details, he expressed confidence that the forthcoming publication would have a significant impact on readers.

Reflecting on the publication process, Okonma described his experience with Worital as “excellent,” commending the publishing firm for its professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to guiding the project from manuscript to publication. He recommended the company to authors seeking quality publishing services.

On the book’s commercial performance, the author revealed that more than 300 copies had been sold within the first month of its release. He projected that sales could exceed 2,000 copies once the title becomes available in bookstores across Nigeria.

Okonma said the book is intended for women seeking more than the celebration of a wedding, describing it as a scripture-grounded guide to becoming “the kind of woman whose home stands when others fall.” He added that the publication would also benefit engaged couples, married couples, single people preparing for marriage, and readers seeking practical relationship guidance.

He further challenged male readers to examine themselves after reading the book and determine whether they possess the qualities expected of the type of man deserving of the woman portrayed in its pages.