Saraki, Gbajabiamila grace Seun Awogbenle’s book presentation

Seun Awogbenle, Nigerian youth advocate and author, on Saturday, presented his new book, ‘The Urgency of Now: Why Nigeria Needs Vision of Prosperity, Protection and Liberty’.

The event, which held virtually, had former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, in attendance.

Gbajabiamila, represented by Dubem Moghalu, his special adviser on research and policy, described Awogbenle as a young man who has shown a great sense of direction and is helping to chart a course for the Nigerian vision.

In his remarks, Saraki described Awogbenle as a “focused, deliberate, knowledgeable young man who has risen from his punditry to coordinating one of the country’s leadership mentorship programme”.

Also speaking, Simon Kolawole, CEO of Cable Newspapers and reviewer of the book, said the discourse in the book is focused on the power of politics in nation-building.

He also commended the author for going beyond presenting Nigeria’s challenges, to providing solutions.

Other speakers at the event included Dakuku Peterside, former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Bankole Wellington, Nigerian artiste better known as Banky W.

Also in attendance were Bolaji Abdullahi, former minister of youth and sports, and Salihu Tanko Yakassai, former spokesperson to Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano governor.

Awogbenle had said during the launch of the book in May that the 10-chapter project focused on the imperative of visioning, leadership, youth participation, and active citizenship.

According to him, the book was inspired by his years of introspection on how he thinks Nigeria can pull back from the brink, in the face of the present challenges.