The cream of Nigeria’s political and business elites,frontline activists, accomplished intellectuals and concerned segments of the populace will gather in Lagos on Saturday April 14, to discuss the future of Nigeria. The occasion is the public presentation of Time to Reclaim Nigeria, a book of essays written by Chido Onumah, a journalist and human rights activist.
Speakers at the event include Dr. Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Prof Pat Utomi, Mr. Femi Falana, Mr. Fola Adeola, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Mr. Odia Ofeimun, amongst others.
Babatunde Fashola, governor of Lagos State and his counterpart from Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, will host the historic event which will be chaired Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, veteran politician and pro-democracy activist.
Notable personalities who will be at presentation include General Mohammed Buhari, National Leader of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria ACN; Alhaji Sule Lamido, executive governor of Jigawa State; Alhaji Balarabe Musa, and Col. Abubakar Umar (rtd).
The event is billed as a platform for national reflection on the problems confronting the country. The organizers hope it will spearhead the much talked-about national dialogue on the future of Nigeria.
The author says Nigeria needs a national conversation now more than any other time in its history. “Whether this country will survive or disintegrate depends on all Nigerians. Let nobody pretend they have a greater stake in this country than others. So rather than having a monologue, Nigerians must be prepared to come together and dialogue. That appears to be the only way to avert the looming catastrophe,” notes Onumah.
Time to Reclaim Nigeria is the product of over a decade of journalistic writing by the author. It tells the heart-breaking story of the hope and promise of Nigeria. It depicts with unfailing tenacity and insight, graphic details of the country’s monumental failure and a call to its people for a programme of redemptive action.
Professor Biodun Jeyifo of the Dept. of Comparative Literature, Harvard University describes Time to Reclaim Nigeria as “an impassioned and urgent voice that we would do well to listen to”, while Hafsat Abiola-Costello, founder and president, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) describes it as “a timely intervention by a deeply concerned patriot”.
Ayo Obe, prominent lawyer, writer, and activist, will review the book.
