Prominent Nigerians reunite for virtual launch of Alhaji Gidado’s Book, “My Opinion Potpourri”
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Prominent Nigerians reunite for virtual launch of Alhaji Gidado’s Book, “My Opinion Potpourri”
In a remarkable virtual event held on 8 September 2024, Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora came together for the Zoom launch of “My Opinion Potpourri” (Selected Articles and Interviews), a new book by Alhaji Lai Gidado.
The event, chaired by elder statesman, Prince Dr Wumi Akintide, became a reunion of old friends and colleagues, as well as a celebration of Gidado’s contributions to literature and public discourse.
The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Ambassador Albert G. P. Omotayo, MFR, who is not only a seasoned diplomat, but also an accomplished author.
In his speech, Amb. Omotayo congratulated Gidado on his literary achievement, describing him as not just a brother-in-law, but a beloved younger brother.
He expressed his admiration for Gidado’s courage in sharing his opinions with the world, a task that is both necessary and risky in today’s society.
Amb. Omotayo’s lecture revolved around the critical role that opinions play in human existence. He emphasised that opinions are the bedrock of knowledge and wisdom, and that society thrives when opinions are freely shared and debated.
Drawing on Yoruba folklore, he illustrated how human beings often fall into the trap of believing they possess all knowledge, much like the tortoise who tried to hoard all wisdom for himself.
Omotayo warned against this arrogance, urging a more inclusive and open approach to knowledge and opinion-sharing.
The ambassador highlighted the dangers faced by journalists and writers who dare to express their opinions, often at great personal risk and lamented the intolerance that has led to the persecution, imprisonment, and even death of many who have spoken out.
This intolerance, he noted, is a threat not only to individual freedom but also to the collective progress of society.
In praising Gidado’s new book, Amb. Omotayo stressed the importance of such works in fostering a culture of opinion-sharing and intellectual growth. He encouraged the audience to embrace the book as a valuable resource for both personal and public life, and to support its dissemination widely.
The book, according to Omotayo, is not just a collection of opinions but a tool for societal betterment.
The Zoom event saw participation from a wide array of distinguished guests, including Engineer Matthew Asaolu, a leader of Ekiti indigenes in North America, Barrister Prince Bola Adeusi, and Hon. Alfred Ayo Falegan, who joined from Texas. Also present were Chief Mrs Alade, CEO of Aljoy Unique, who participated from Northern Ireland, and Col. FS Saka (Rtd.), CEO of Highdef Integrated International Ltd, who joined from the UK. The author’s classmates and several other dignitaries also graced the occasion.
Dr Wumi Akintide, who chaired the event, lauded Gidado and described him as a brilliant writer full of ideas.
He echoed Amb. Omotayo’s sentiments about the importance of opinion dissemination and urged all participants to purchase copies of the book, while assuring the audience that the author had promised delivery of purchased copies within 15 days, regardless of the buyer’s location.
The event also served as a prelude to the physical launch of the book, scheduled to take place on 19 September 2024 in Abuja.
This forthcoming event is expected to attract even more prominent figures, including Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare, Ekiti State Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy, and Hon. Lanre Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, who will deliver lectures on the theme, “Restoring Agriculture’s Lost Glory: A Panacea to Hunger in Nigeria”.
Other notable guests expected at the Abuja launch include Professor Abdulhamid Ahmed, Honourable Commissioner for Technical Education in Katsina State, and Pastor Ayerin, the Ondo State Commissioner for Commerce.
These figures are expected to add further depth to the discussions initiated at the Zoom launch, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges and the role of agriculture in addressing them.
As the Zoom event came to a close, participants reflected on the enduring value of books like “My Opinion Potpourri” in shaping public discourse.
The reunion of such a distinguished group of Nigerians, albeit virtually, underscored the importance of maintaining strong intellectual and cultural connections, regardless of geographical distances.
In a world increasingly divided by opinions, the launch of Gidado’s book was a powerful reminder of the need for open dialogue and the sharing of ideas.
It was a celebration not just of a new literary work, but of the collective wisdom that comes from listening to and respecting diverse viewpoints.
As the participants left the virtual event, they carried with them not just copies of a book, but the hope that such gatherings would continue to foster unity, understanding, and progress for Nigeria and beyond.
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