Stakeholders rally Nigerians to patriotism

Participants at the public presentation of the book: This is not a Discoteke, have called on Nigerians to embrace professionalism and patriotism towards national development.

The speakers portrayed the author, who is also a former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Toki Mabogunje, as a role model, whose character is worth emulating.

The book captures the early stage of the author’s career journey, especially her experiences in Nigeria’s federal civil service, where she started as an Assistant Legal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence at 21, demonstrating rare courage and striving for excellence.

Speaking at the event, tagged: “Cora BookTrek Monthly”, where the author had to read a substantial portion of the book and answer questions from guests intermittently, the Chairman, Cora, Kayode Aderinokun, described Mabogunje as a very good example of how patriotism and commitment could help anyone or community to excel professionally and contribute significantly to the overall good of the nation.

Consultant and author, Bukola Ifemade, described Mabogunje’s book as a commendable effort, saying: “The book is very educative and would help to improve our value system. It is indeed a great contribution to our desire for a better Nigeria.”

To the National Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria, Dr Annette Akinsete: “The author has shown us that there are still good people in the civil service. Today, she has inspired many of us to write, and indeed we have a lot of stories to tell.  I was also in the civil service like her and I was also able to live above board.”

The President, ICLEAD business school, Lekki, Lagos, Prof. Olajumoke Familoni, also shared her views on the book and the author. “It’s a fantastic book! I love the writing style, the way she weaved her experiences with her thoughts and actual events. It’s quite informative and enriching.”

A communications consultant, Wehinmi Atigbi, was fascinated with the humour in the book, even as he described the book as “absolutely brilliant and highly authentic.”

An opthamologist, Dr Dupe Olorunnimbe, noted that Mabogunje had shown that there were some civil servants contributing beautifully to the good of the nation.

Commending the author and appreciating the guests, the Executive Programme Director, Culture Advocates Caucus, Jahman Anikulapo, urged everyone to show more interest in reading and give required support to gestures targeted at improving the reading culture and advancing the interest of authors like Cora BookTrek and many others are doing.