According to the author, Onyibe, the book serves as a call to action for Nigerians to make the best of these trying times.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka are billed to attend the May 8 public presentation of the book: “Leading From The Streets: Media Interventions By A Public Intellectual, 1999-2019,” written by Magnus Onyibe, a media columnist, public policy analyst, and democracy advocate.
The event will be held at Alliance Française/Mike Adenuga Centre at 9 Osborne Road, Lagos, according to a statement made available on Sunday to The Niche and signed by Tervel Kejih.
The book features 77 articles written over 20 years by the author, addressing practically all facets of socio-economic life in Nigeria. These articles are divided into seven chapters.
The foreword for the book is written by former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), who recommended it as essential reading for public office holders. He suggested that they learn from the leadership mistakes of previous leaders to avoid potential pitfalls in leadership.
The publication comes at a time when the socioeconomic reforms of the incumbent administration, aimed at pulling Nigeria out of its current challenges, have resulted in difficulties for a significant portion of Nigerians.
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According to the author, Onyibe, the book serves as a call to action for Nigerians to make the best of these trying times. This sentiment echoes the famous call by John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, who, during similar socioeconomic difficulties in the US, encouraged Americans to persevere in his 1961 inaugural speech: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
The book aims to inspire Nigerians to engage in innovative initiatives to overcome the challenges of the high cost of living, rather than solely relying on government relief.
The public presentation of the book will carry the theme “Tinubunomics: What’s Working, What’s Not, Why and Way Forward.”
The event will feature Shettima as the special guest of honour. Soyinka is slated to deliver the keynote address, while Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), will serve as the book reviewer.
Akpabio will be a guest of honour, alongside notable parliamentarians and state governors invited to the event. The event will not only include a book presentation but also a panel discussion on the theme “Tinubunomics: What’s Working, What’s Not, Why and Way Forward,” and the “Leading From The Streets…” awards will be presented to deserving Nigerians and corporations.
Goodwill messages are expected from the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso.
The book includes eight afterwords written by experts in the seven subject areas to provide fresh perspectives on articles written as far back as 22 years ago. These afterwords validate the continued relevance of these articles to today’s issues, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The afterword writers include Olisa Agbakoba, Col. Umar Dangiwa (rtd), Segun Osoba, Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani), J.K. Randle, Primate Nicholas Okoh, Sheik Ahmed Gumi, and the late Prof. George Obiozor.
The panelists discussing the event’s theme include public policy experts, active players in the economy, media professionals, and members of civil society organisations.
The “Leading From The Streets…” awards will recognise Nigerians who have made a difference by either speaking out or standing up for Nigerians or humanity. One such awardee is Soyinka, who was jailed for 22 months due to an article he published urging the federal government to reconsider the civil war. His appeal was disregarded, leading to the war from 1967 to 1970 and the loss of over one million Nigerian lives.
The other five awardees, including telecommunications and airline services providers, a democracy advocate, and a philanthropist, will be unveiled during the public presentation of the book.
The aim of the book is to unite Nigerians and inspire patriotism, urging them to combat poverty by contributing positively within their spheres of influence. This includes supporting made-in-Nigeria goods and services and practicing zero tolerance for corruption and injustice. The author and reviewers believe that readers will glean valuable life lessons from the book.