Andrew Efemini, a professor of philosophy at the University of Port
Harcourt, has unveiled a new book titled philosophy, Politics,
Development & Culture, Essays on Social Transformation
The unveiling event which took place at Atlantic Hall of the Hotel
Presidential, Port Harcourt was chaired by Ama-Opusenibo Sam Sam, PhD
who was represented by Professor Francis Cookey.
Others who graced the event include Professor Steve Okodudu, Kingsley
Wali, Professor Mark Anikpo and Babatunde Irukera; the Director
General, Consumer Protection Council.
In his opening remarks, Professor Cookey said that the book is a
breakdown of the social economic issues in Nigerian society.
According to him, the author infused his philosophical leanings into
the book, adding that it should make every conscious Nigerian’s
reading list.
The book presenter, Babatunde Irukera who presented a paper under the
theme: Challenges of Social Transformation in the Twenty-First
Century: The President Muhammadu Buhari’s Experience.
He praised the government for the interest-free loan given to petty
traders of which he said are interactions away from the defined focal
points of the media.
He said for the first time, we have a government giving direct,
interest-free loans to petty traders, small shop owners and artisans,
as an investment to support their businesses, and grow our economy.
However, for curious dubious reasons, these social investment
programmes have been tagged vote buying, in order to scorn the
programme and devalue its true impact.
He opined that the program was designed to tackle poverty, adding that
what President Buhari has demonstrated is that While paying attention
to the vocal minority is important, seeking out the silent majority
and amplifying their voices, is crucial for true nation building.
The approach he said is redefining and recalibrating the values upon
which governing our nation must be built. By devaluing the governance
style that caters to the need of a select few, and rather prioritising
the interest of the majority, this administration is paving way for
the emergence of a new political elite, an elite circle defined by
character, value and commitment to service”
He added that the job for the real social transformers Is now to
redirect our social conversation to the needs of the greater number,
and secure a prime place for this silent majority at the conversation
table
In his closing remark, the author of the book, Professor Andrew
Efemini, said the book is a product of deep reflection on Nigeria’s
plethora of issues and how to solve them, adding that the book is his
gift to the younger generation as his own way of Conscientizing them
to take national issues seriously.