Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, and Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, will headline the public presentation of a new book by communications strategist and THISDAY Editorial Board member, Paul Nwabuikwu.

The book, ‘The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal (1990–2025),’ will be presented on Wednesday, July 29 in Abuja.

Okonjo-Iweala will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Chidoka will chair the event.

Adeniyi, Professor of Communication and Media Epistemology, will review the book.

The publication is a compilation of more than three decades of Nwabuikwu’s writings, bringing together essays, opinion pieces, analytical articles, poems and a short story that examine Nigeria’s political, social and historical evolution alongside broader themes of leadership, citizenship, justice, memory and hope.

In the foreword, Professor Moses E. Ochonu of Vanderbilt University describes the work as a rare combination of literary craftsmanship, political commentary and philosophical reflection. He notes that Nwabuikwu’s experience in journalism, public service and corporate communications uniquely positions him to interpret many of the defining moments in Nigeria’s contemporary history.

The collection revisits landmark events, including the Nigerian Civil War, military rule, the return to democratic governance and the country’s evolving political landscape. It also reflects on notable personalities such as Nelson Mandela, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chinua Achebe, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, General Sani Abacha and Burna Boy.

Beyond well-known figures, the book highlights individuals whose experiences shaped national discourse, including Bello Jangebe, whose prosecution under Zamfara State’s Sharia law drew international attention to human rights issues.

The organisers stated in Abuja yesterday, Sunday that the event is expected to attract senior government officials, diplomats, academics, media executives, business leaders, civil society organisations and members of the literary community from across Nigeria.