The distinguished poet, journalist, and scholar, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, has publicly attributed the country’s ongoing challenges to the persistent ineptitude displayed by its leadership.
Speaking at the public launch of his two books: ‘Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria’ and ‘Toast, Tributes and Wreaths’ in Shehu Musa Ya’adua Centre in Abuja, he noted that Nigeria as a country is not progressing as much as it should and stressed the need for significant improvement in various aspects.
He stated that there is an urgent need for us to reevaluate our approach and come up with more effective strategies to guide the country’s development, ensuring that the nations we have supported do not outpace us in terms of progress and development.
In his words: “Taken from the common parlance, Orishirishi is assortments, all sorts, different kinds. Orishirishi is an assemblage. I talked about leadership, government, sports and collective experiences.
“Leadership ineptitude is the sole reason the country is headed southwards instead of going northwards. The fact is that as a people we are not getting on as far as we should.
“We had our 64th independence anniversary just about a week ago, and of course, we all know it was a period of assessment for our country looking back, looking at the present and believing for a better tomorrow.
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“We have to just get back on track and begin to look and think northwards, otherwise, even countries that we help to guide will overtake us.”
In his review, the Book Reviewer and the Provost School of Post-graduate Studies Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Ibileye described the author as prolific and prominent in contributing to Nigeria’s literary and political conversation.
He further stated that the two books, Orishirishi, Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria and Toast, Tributes and Wreaths further demonstrate Olusunle’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s history, politics, and cultural heritage.
He said: “Professor Olusunle as I fondly call him has contributed to Nigeria’s literary and political discourse, producing works exploring the country’s complex political landscape and paying tribute to its influential personalities. His two recent books, Orishirishi, Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria, and Toast, Tributes and Wreaths exemplify his range and versatility.
“In Orishirishi, Olusunle delves into the nuances of Nigerian politics, offering critical reflections on governance, corruption, and leadership with a sharp yet balanced lens. Toast, Tributes and Wreaths, on the other hand, is a more personal exploration, celebrating the lives of notable individuals and reflecting on their legacies. Both works demonstrate Olusunle’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s history, politics, and cultural heritage, cementing his status as a leading voice in Nigerian intellectualism and literature.”
Also, the son of the author, Aramide David Olusunle expressed elation over his father’s significant contribution to intellectualism and literature.
Aramide noted that the two books offer the younger generation the opportunity to engage in Nigeria’s past, and political evolutions and miss chances for reform in a meaningful way.
“Being at my father’s book launch fills me with immense pride and joy. Witnessing his dedication and hard work come to fruition is truly inspiring. I deeply admire his ability to capture Nigeria’s complex political history and personal stories of notable figures in such a compelling way. I’m grateful to share in this milestone with him.
“Orisirishi and Toast, Tribute and Wreath offer the younger generation an opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s past, its political revolutions, and missed chances for reform in a meaningful way and celebrate the contributions of significant Nigerian figures, highlighting the importance of leadership, integrity, and perseverance, which can inspire young people to contribute positively to the nation’s future,” he said.
