Nigeria’s political and business community turned out in full force on Tuesday at the Los Angeles Events and Conference Centre, Abuja, for the public presentation of two new books by Dakuku Peterside, former member of the House of Representatives and public policy thinker.
The books, “Leading in a Storm” and “Beneath the Surface” were described as “instruments of national rebirth”, praised for their timely and practical insights into leadership and national development by eminent Nigerians, including several governors, ministers, and the Chief of Defence Staff. The book launch raised over N200 million.
Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State governor, represented by Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information, commended Peterside’s “outstanding contribution to leadership thought and national development.”
He particularly reaffirmed servant leadership as the core of development, noting that his administration’s Arise Agenda is rooted in the same philosophy of placing people at the heart of governance.
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Agbu Kefas, the Taraba State governor, aligned the books’ insights with key State initiatives, including agro-processing hubs and cross-border trade formalisation.
Mohammed Hayatudeen, an elder statesman, who chaired the occasion, described the books as “a mirror and a compass. A mirror that reflects our present realities with honesty, and a compass that points us toward renewal and hope.”
He called ‘Leading in a Storm’ a practical manual for navigating today’s “new normal” of constant crises.
Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, lauded the works as “field-ready guides for a world where uncertainty is constant.”
He also announced a Defence Headquarters partnership with Peterside to roll out crisis-leadership training across major military formations and confirmed the procurement of 200 copies as “core resources for officers and soldiers.”
The book launch reportedly raised over N200 million, funds which were largely contributed by governors and high-ranking officials.
Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, purchased five copies for N5 million, while the Governors of Kano, Katsina and Taraba States, pledged to purchase copies for all members of their respective Executive Councils.
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Eno, on his part, secured copies for all government officials in his administration.
Bethel Olujobi
Bethel Olujobi reports on trade and maritime business for BusinessDay with prior experience reporting on migration, labour, and tech. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and is certified by the FT, Reuters and Google. Drawing from his experience working with other respected news providers, he presents a nuanced and informed perspective on the complexities of critical matters. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria and occasionally commutes to Abuja.
