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.
