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Tag: book

  • Praise for Imo Deputy Governor at book launch

    Praise for Imo Deputy Governor at book launch

    Owerri, the Imo State capital buzzed and hummed as state governors, their deputies and academics, among other dignitaries, gathered to heap praise on Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere.

    It was at the public presentation of his autobiography, ‘A True Manifestation of a Loyal Prince’.

    Among eminent Nigerians who graced the occasion were the Kano State Governor Abdulahi Umar Ganduje and his wife, Deputy Governors of Oyo, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Oyo states, as well as the chief host Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha and his wife Nneoma.

    From one speaker to another, the Imo deputy governor was eulogised for his uncommon sense of humility and service, which they said stood him out among other present Deputy Governors in Nigeria.

    Akintola described Madumere as a man with uncommon sense of humility, adding that, “the first time he came to pick me from the Airport, there was nothing to show that he was the Deputy Governor, he was down to earth and ever ready to do everything to make his boss succeed”.

    Ganduje, a former Deputy Governor, while describing the Imo Deputy Governor, said, “his level of humility beats me, since I knew him as a colleague then I have never seen him get angry or show pride. He is always quiet and very calculated and always projecting his master far above himself”.

    Confirming the humility of Madumere, his boss, Governor Okorocha noted that he had never had any course to worry since he nominated him as his deputy after his first Deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso was impeached two years into his first tenure.

    He said Madumere has immeasurable confidence in him and does everything possible to ensure that his policies succeed, adding that his sense of loyalty is genuine and not sycophantic.

    He said, “I am proud of Madumere not just as my Deputy but as my son in whom I am well pleased. He has come a long way with me and he understands every of my move and he carries out every of my instructions to the letter in the spirit of the rescue mission. I was very happy when he told me about the book and what is written about him in the book is a true confirmation of who he is. He is indeed a loyal prince”.

    Ganduje said that with the confirmed attributes of the Deputy Governor, it will be in the best interest of the state for him to succeed Okorocha.

    He opined that having served as Kano State Deputy Governor for eight years and eventually succeeded his boss as governor, he knows the benefits of continuity in the polity through seamless transition.

    He said, “I want to congratulate Madumere for being so loyal to his boss but most importantly I want to commend the governor for taking him into confidence and giving him the latitude to operate, because you can be loyal and still not be trusted by your boss”.

    Speaking further, he said, ”The write-up we are presenting to the public today is an honest testimony of the life of the Deputy Governor and from what I know about him that he has the capacity to succeed his boss who I describe as a political bridge builder. So I want to appeal to the Governor that the next time we gather again here, it will be the inauguration of Madumere as Governor “.

    He however charged the Deputy Governor to be patient and desist from listening to gossips and rumour that could have negative effect on the relationship between him and his boss.

    Ganduje, who attended the ceremony in the company of his wife and members of his cabinet, also admonished Governor Okorocha to guide against the antics of sycophants, adding that sycophancy is “a deadly disease in governance “.

    Okorocha said that although he was yet to make up his mind on who his successor will be, but assured that he will hand over the state to one of his loyal followers who believe in the values of Rescue Mission administration.

    He described Madumere as a deputy any governor would like to have, adding that there are no pretenses about his loyalty and humility.

    He said, “Though I am yet to decide on my choice of a successor, I know that one of my sons will succeed me and Madumere is a son in whom I am well pleased”.

    The Historical Society of Nigeria conferred its highest award of “History Shield of Excellence” on the Imo Deputy Governor, at the University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. The president of the Society, Prof Christopher Ogbogbo, who enumerated the efforts of the Society in ensuring that history is incorporated into the academic curricula of every level of education, stressed the need for history in planning and national development.

  • Book on Nigeria for presentation

    The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja will play host to the public presentation of Hope Rekindled, a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s nationhood challenges and possible solutions, on Thursday, November 24.

    Written by a chartered Accountant and Managing Director, S.S. Afemikhe Consulting Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Sam S. Afemikhe, the over 800-page book, which is a product of over two-year painstaking research and analysis, arose from the author’s fears over the unrelenting socio- economic and political crisis of the nation since independence.

    The book benchmarks Nigeria against nine countries, most of them former British colonies that gained independence almost at the same time with it and were then its closest peers of comparative history and levels of development.

    While as the book revealed, Nigeria has completely regressed after 56 years of independence, most of the comparator countries have progressed tremendously, some of them leap-frogging from third to first world nations.

  • Buhari and book publications

    Just like past leaders at the helm of affairs, President Muhammadu Buhari has begun to receive book publications in his honour.

    The first major book at an elaborate function at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja on Thursday 29th September 2016 was a pictorial book titled ‘Buhari: A New Beginning.’

    The book was authored by President Buhari’s Personal Photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo.

    The second major book was presented to the public four days later at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The book titled ‘Muhammadu Buhari – The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria,’ was authored by Professor John Paden.

    It did not only attracted the presence of the high and mighty in the Nigeria society, but was also attended by Presidents of Niger, Chad, and Benin Republic.

    The Presidents of Cameroon and Equitorial Guinea also sent representatives to the book launch.

    Before the two books, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has also been receiving books written on Buhari on his behalf.

    The Leadership Scorecard Magazine, in collaboration with Arewa-Kebbi Investments Nigeria Limited, on Tuesday, 28 June 2016 visited State House, Abuja to present Adesina with some books on Buhari.

    Adesina also got an award from them for his contributions towards nation building.

    The group had maintained that the recognition was in commemoration of President Buhari’s one year in office, and Adesina’s role as Agent of Change.

    The two last major book presentations will definitely not be the last as more will come in the coming months.

  • Accolades for Cross River elder statesman at book launch

    Accolades for Cross River elder statesman at book launch

    It was a torrent of accolades for Cross River State elder statesmanChief Linus Okom during the public presentation of his biography in Calabar.

    Okom, from Bekwarra Local Government Area, one of the founding fathers of the state, was described as a colossus whose legacies are too much to be compressed in one book by a legal luminary and one time member of the Caretaker Committee of Bekwara Local Government, Mr Sunny Odey.

    The book titled, ADA BEKWARA: Biography of Chief Linus Okom was written by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Monica Okom.

    According to Odey, Chief Okom, popularly known as Ada Bekwara, is incontestably one of the most outstanding politicians ever from the state.

    Odey said Chief Okom has bestridden the politics of the state for close to four decades working with the likes of Chief I. I. Murphy, Chief Michael Ogon, Dr. Joseph Wayas, Dr. Okoi Arikpo, Chief Eyo Uyo among others.

    Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, also described Okom as one of the foremost elder statesmen, whose wealth of experience is still needed to move the state forward.

    Ayade, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Godwin Ettah, expressed delight at the biography and enjoined everyone to read to understand the history of the state, which his life symbolizes.

    He congratulated the author, Dr. Monica Okom for her literary prowess and enjoined her to mentor other younger women.

    According to Dr Monica Okom, she was motivated to write the book because of the love showered on her by her husband.

    Dr. Okom narrated her journey of love in the arm of her loving husband, saying he encouraged her to further her education up to PhD level.

    The book, she said, tells a story of the impact of the Chief Linus Okom on the development of Cross River state especially in the creation of the state, as well as the leading role he played in the acceptance of Bekwara language as one of the languages translated in news in the state broadcast station, among other things.

    The celebrant, ADA BEKWARA, Chief Linus Okom who expressed gratitude to his wife for compiling his activities into a book said he derives a lot of fulfillment for being a part of those who fought and succeeded in the creation of Cross River state.

    In his contribution, the Chief Executive Officer of PROFILES AND BIOGRAPHIES, publishers of the book, Mr. Kammonke Abam emphasized the need for Cross Riverians who have played critical roles in the development of the state and the country to document their stories for the benefit of the society.

    The event was witnessed by dignitaries including the former Chairman of the Peo

  • Student launches book service

    Student launches book service

    A new book delivery service, Streem, has been launched in Lagos by an undergraduate.

    The Founder is Tejumade Adeyinka,  a  200-Level Economics student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    Tejumade said she was inspired  by the need to help resolve the difficulties parents face in searching for textbooks for their wards.

    She said she was determined to use the service to meet the needs of “busy” parents and professionals who will prefer to have textbooks and inspirational books delivered at their doorsteps.

    Tejumade said the difficulties her mother passed through in her secondary school days spurred her to find solutions to the problem.

    “When I was in secondary school, I was usually given a list of books to be used at the beginning of a new session and my mom would pass through a lot to purchase these books from several bookstores.

    “But now, I’ve realised that every parent is on the move and one hardly has a stay-at-home mom or dad anymore. We recognise this and felt there’s a need to bring to parents a fast and convenient way to purchase books for their children and importantly, have these books delivered at their doorsteps,” she said.

    On how Streem service works, Adeyinka said: “Customers are expected to send a message to streemng@gmail.com with a list of books they would like to buy.

    “After, we’ll send an invoice based on the price list that we currently have. After approval, we agree on a delivery location as well as a mode of payment- which can be either cash on delivery, online transfer, full payment before delivery or half payment before delivery.”

    On how she got the inspiration for Streem, she said it came while she was in secondary school, adding that the likes of Sunkanmi Aladenaye as business partner has helped the idea  materialise.

  • Book on sustainable development launched

    “Spiritual empowerment creates economic empowerment and facilitates political  stability.” Those were the ideologies that gave birth to the book Empowerment for Sustainable Development  according to Moses Obuba Kalu at the public presentation and  launching of his book held at the auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos.

    Kalu believes that for there to be sustainable development an individual needs to be encouraged and empowered, these will make him be in a position to develop his community, the society and the country at large, He believes that if Nigerians don’t embark extensively on self-sufficiency in Agriculture and industrialization, the country won’t be able to achieve its full potentials. He says “we have to develop individuals this is more paramount to development, many resources without effective human management will result into wastage, but when individuals are effective they will be able to manage the scanty resources available to them…”

    The book launching was graced by various dignitaries from different spheres of life such as Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Sam Ohuabunwa, S.N Okeke, Professor Ndubisi Nwokoma, Rear admiral Solomon Okeke, Yeye of Sasha kingdom Precious Olubunmi Agbabiaka amongst others who came to felicitate with a man they all described as an icon.

    Nwokoma in his review described the book Empowerment for Sustainable Development as a collection of critical issues and practical solutions for the empowerment of an individual in harnessing their gifts and God given talents for spiritual and economic development. He says the book focuses on issues and strategic principles and techniques that enhance the spiritual, economic and public development for individuals to enhance their contribution to society and further enhance the human condition on a sustained basis.

    According to Chukuma Okafor the book is a priceless gem for the youths as the book promotes core values that builds a man and make a nation. He adds that Moses Kalu is an expert in Micro and Small scale enterprises and has dedicated a portion of the book to explain how to start little businesses, sources of financing them and how to make a little idea grow big by explaining minor processes in which they can start a small business and make it grow big. The book will teach them to achieve sustainable growth and development without cutting corners.

    Archbishop Magnus Atilade in his words describes Moses Kalu as a man in a privileged position to produce authentic records and proper documentations. He enjoins all Christians, professionals and people from all works of life to have the fear of God and desire for effective leadership and good governance. According to him anybody who wants to know the origin, establishment and growth of CAN, the acquisition of this book is a necessary requirement.

  • Stakeholders worry about reading culture at book launch

    Nigeria is in danger of breeding  poor readers and semi-literates if the apathy towards reading is not arrested.

    This was the submission of some stakeholders at the launch of “When the Dead Loves”, a novel written by veteran journalist, Harry Awurumibe at the Nigeria Institute of Management in Lagos.

    They noted that the present generation no longer has the capacity to read even the shortest of written materials, describing the situation as disappointing and destructive.

    Overindulgence and misuse of the social media, they further noted, has further affected the youths while fast tracking their failure in public exams.

    The Book Reviewer and Chief Executive officer of All Season Mediacom, Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe said there was no way leaders of tomorrow could compete favorably on the world stage without reading.

    “Those who rule the world are those who read and the best way to be the best is to keep reading,” he said

    Chairman of the occasion Chief Emeka Inyama, had earlier recommended continuous reading for all ages noting that it is the only way to keep pace with today’s realities. Inyama who is chairman of Abia Warriors Football club, gave the author a pat on the back, adding that anyone who is able to produce a book that can impact on the knowledge of others should be commended.

    Awurumibe, who has also published a book on female football development in Nigeria, expressed hope that the book would impact knowledge and check poor reading culture that is spreading like a virus.

  • CoolFM’s Mannie shines at book launch

    CoolFM’s Mannie shines at book launch

    Recording artiste and Cool FM On-Air-Personality Mannie, penultimate Sunday launched a new book, titled What A Life, to detail his growing up years.

    The event which held at Monty Buffet, Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by family, friends and associates of Mannie whose real name is Emmanuel Essien.

    Among the A-list guests include members of the Moussali family led by Amin Mousalli, owner of AIMS Group, which includes CoolFM, Wazobia and Nigeria Info, Akin Alabi, CEO Nairabet.com and Mai Atafo,  Nigeria’s bespoke fashion tailor and a host of others.

    Justifying the need for writing an autobiography, Mannie, who is Head of Innovations for CoolWazobiaInfo, said he wanted to be able to impact his generation and beyond.

    The book not only captures Mannie’s riveting story as an innocent teenager but also reveals warts and all.

    Speaking about his greatest influence as a singer, song writer, Mannie said the list would naturally include his parents who introduced him to music at an early age. He also counts his wife, Grace, his late friend Uche, his boss at Cool FM and of course, the famous Larry King, whom he has met as influences.

    The highpoint of the occasion was when Mannie’s boss, Amin Moussali, apart from showering Mannie with an undisclosed sum of foreign currencies also promised to do a film of the book for Hollywood.

    Mannie also serenaded guests with one of his songs as others joined him on the dance floor.

  • ‘Book industry needs attention’

    Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT), Alhaji Rilwanu Abdulsalami, has called on the government to pay better attention to the book industry.

    In his welcome address at the international conference of the 15th Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) last week, Abdulsalami lamented that the book industry faces challenges that the government has not addressed due to neglect.  He advised the government to collaborate with stakeholders in the industry to initiate progressive policies.

    Abdulsalami said: “It is a known fact that over a period of time government has not paid attention to the book industry despite the myriad of challenges it faces right from when the manuscript is conceived up to the user. The persistent rise in the exchange rate of the naira with foreign currencies has affected the production and sale of the printed book going by the fact that most books used in Nigeria are published abroad.  May I assure the distinguished personalities of the readiness of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT) to partner with government in drawing up policies or legislation needed to ameliorate the situation.”

    The NBFT boss also urged the Federal Government to assess the industry’s contribution to the economy so it is better appreciated.

    “In view of the last rebasing of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics, I believe it is high time the contributions of the book industry to the GDP be evaluated to ascertain the percentage of the contributions made,” he said.

    Explaining the choice of the theme for this year’s weeklong fair: “Book: The Untapped Entertainment Treasure in Africa”, Abdusalami, who is also the president, Nigeria Library Association, said the books remain an important tool for youth development despite the advances in digital technology.

    His view was shared by the keynote speaker, Prof Hope Eghagha, who in his paper titled: “’My Husband’s House is No Longer a Forest of Books’: The Spirit of Lawino and the Culture of Reading”, chronicled the negative effects of social media culture on reading and writing skills of young people.  While the older generation was raised with physical books, Eghagha lamented that young ones are being raised in a virtual era that affects their foundation.

    He said: “My generation grew up in a culture that displayed books on a shelf in the living room. These days, it is no longer part of the culture to encounter a library in homes. A replacement has been found in the stereo, home theatre, and CDs. Twenty years ago, we also enjoyed reading novels as a pastime. The average youth in current day Nigeria hardly reads books outside the recommended texts.  Indeed in some English department courses, some students manage not to read recommended texts before writing the examination. Some have even boasted that they graduated without ever visiting the library throughout their years of study in the university.”

    Eghagha described the growth of the social media culture as a distraction that has done the youth little good.

    “One of the reasons therefore why reading for pleasure is no longer a pastime, is the level of distraction caused by the arrival of the Internet and games. The smart phone and its attractions have not given reading for pleasure a chance. It is chatty, handy, cool, explorative and diversionary,” he said.

    To address the challenges of the virtual era and bring back the forest of books, Eghagha recommended that physical books should be allowed to thrive along with virtual versions.

    “The forest of books like the groundnut pyramid of northern Nigeria must return to the educational landscape through deliberate planning and execution. By law, in the next 20 years, all institutions of higher learning must provide twenty-four hours of internet service within the campuses. It is the only way our youth can compete with their peers outside the continent. Every local government area must have physical library where individuals can have access to both hard and soft copies of books required for mental development,” he said.

    He also called on the government to remove the tariff on books and construct public libraries in all local government areas of the country.

    The weeklong fair featured book exhibitions, workshops for teachers and school owners, children’s programmes, business meetings, among others.

  • VC eulogises book donor

    Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof Samuel Oye Bandele, has praised former Managing Director of the defunct Federal Mortgage Bank, Chief Samuel Falegan, for donating copies of his book, “My Yesteryears” to the institution.

    Bandele described Falegan, who turned 84 recently, as an incorruptible Nigerian worthy of emulation.

    Bandele said Chief Falegan was “a rare example” to this generation, and urged academics to emulate him by writing books that would be of value to the society.

    “Chief Falegan’s book is unique, well written, educative and supported with evidences,” he said.

    On his part, Chief Falegan said he donated the books to contribute to the growth of the institution. He explained that he was in the forefront of the struggle to establish the university’s engineering faculty – donating 20 tonnes of cement to the university at a time, but lamented that the cement was wasted.

    He however expressed gratitude that the Faculty was constructed on the spot where the cement congealed.

    Falegan promised that he would continue to play a positive role in the university and elsewhere.