A prestigious gathering of political, academic, and literary figures will convene this week for the launch of two new books by distinguished poet, journalist, and scholar, Dr. Tunde Olusunle.
Leading the lineup is Senator George Akume, CON, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Joining him are the governors of Kogi, Usman Ododo; Taraba, Kefas Agbu; Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu-Sokoto; and Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, PhD.
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, will showcase two significant works: ‘Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria’ and ‘Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths’. A statement issued on Sunday by the chairman of the Book Launch Media Committee, Bolaji Afolabi, indicated that ‘Orisirisi’ is a 470-page compendium of 60 essays that delves into critical national issues, ranging from leadership challenges to economic struggles.
Segun Ayobolu, respected columnist and former media adviser to President Bola Tinubu, described the book in his foreword as a piercing reflection on the myriad crises that Nigeria faces, including leadership failures, corruption, and economic instability.
‘Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths’, a 308-page collection of 46 essays, has been described by Professor Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju as a powerful literary work that intertwines the stories of notable figures with elegance and depth. The volume is, in her words, “a masterful blend of journalism, research, and creativity.”
The launch will also be attended by notable figures like General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, GCON, former National Security Adviser; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Minority Leader; and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, FNGE, CON, economist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Former governors, including Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, PhD, CON (Benue), and Captain Idris Ichalla Wada (Kogi), are also expected to attend. Other prominent attendees include Senator Ben Obi, CON, former Political Adviser to the President, alongside several parliamentarians from Kogi State: Senators Sunday Karimi, Barrister Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Jibrin Isah.
Additionally, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara), Senators Osita Izunaso (Imo), Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu), Austin Akobundu (Abia), Ned Nwoko (Delta), Smart Adeyemi, CON, and Dino Melaye are expected at the ceremony.
In the House of Representatives, Leke Joseph Abejide, Chairman of the Committee on Customs, will be present alongside his colleagues Dickson Tarkighir (Makurdi/Guma federal constituency, Benue) and Idris Salman (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, Kogi).
The books will be reviewed by Professor Gbenga Ibileye, a distinguished scholar of English, a member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (MNAL), and an orator of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL).
Dr. Olusunle is a highly regarded poet and academic whose works are widely studied. With three published volumes of poetry and two volumes of essays to his credit, he is a literary figure of national repute.
His professional background includes serving as a close aide to former President Obasanjo, working as a journalist, and holding leadership positions in Kogi State, where he served as Director of Information and Chief Press Secretary. He holds a doctorate in media arts and is currently a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja.
