Echoes from Funke Egbemode’s book launch

ADA DIKE

There comes a time in one’s life when somebody pauses to ponder about events happening in their country. Sometimes, they go further to share their opinion concerning those issues with other people so as to exchange views.

That was what the General Editor (Style) of The Sun newspaper, Mrs. Funke Egbemode did. Last week Thursday, the seasoned journalist launched her book “Conversations with my country,” which is a compilation of the articles she has written for some years.

Compered by an ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka 1, the book launch which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites was a gathering of gentlemen of the press and prominent politicians.

While delivering his chairman’s address, Ssecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said he had a reason to grace the event because he wrote the foreword coupled with the fact that the governor of Delta State called and reminded him about the event.

 “I am greatly delighted to be in the midst of this audience. The theme of the book should capture every Nigerian. Before I wrote the foreword, I called for what she had written in the past to re-enforce her style which I adjudged to be not only peculiar but peculiarly captivating. I do strongly recommend this book to those of us who hold public office and others. We must be conscious of what we do or say. Today’s event is more than a book launch,” Anyim said.

He also emphasised the need for a national dialogue and said the national conference was an opportunity for Nigerians to talk.

He added that: “We welcome constructive criticisms from all and sundry, particularly the media. No nation progresses without the commitment of all her citizens. No nation progresses without the commitment of all. There are sacrifices to be made by all.”

In his remarks, Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was the Special Guest of Honour commended Egbemode for putting her thoughts in form of a book. He remembered when she was the Special Adviser on Media to former Speaker of House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh and adds, “You tried your best. You are truly a gift to the Nigerian journalism and the Nigerian nation, that is why we are here to encourage you because we need each other to ensure that we have not only a stable country but a country everyone would be proud of.”

The host governor, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), governor of Lagos, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Lateef Ibirogba, said “It is not a book launch; we are here to recognize creativity.”

While reviewing the book, Toni Kan said the 258-page book was wildly funny, often sad, deeply upsetting and keenly reflective pieces.

He described Egbemode as a satirical writer with a humorous bent and observed that: “...Once you look past the humour, are keenly observed, thought provoking and provocative pieces especially when she lets go the cataloguing of our many ills to bring us deeply human stories that tug violently at our heart strings.

“By the time mummy returned, it was too late. The acid had finished its job and ended mummy’s joy.” p.41. In seeking to describe this book, my thoughts have returned always to a broken monody; a truncated dirge and it is there clearly on the front cover where the word ‘Conversations’ is cut in two.

“Conversations with my country” is broken into 3 parts. The first section is ‘Heart of the Polity’ which addresses, directly, the ills that bedevil Nigeria. In these pieces, Funke Egbemode is a whip wielding, stern mother intent on flogging sense into our heads but how successful is she in her endeavour? Why does she keep on writing when no one ever seems to listen and nothing seems to change?”

Notable personalities that attended the book launch were: Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Abia State and Chairman, Slok Group, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer, Famfa Oil, Mrs. Fulorunsho Alakija and Father of the Day, Senate President, Senator David Mark represented by Senator Tunde Ogbeha.

Others were representatives of the governors of Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Bayelsa and Anambra states. Doyen of Nigerian Press, Pa Sam Amuka, publisher of the Vanguard, veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun State; Segun Osoba, The Managing Director of  The Sun Publishing Limited; Tony Onyima, many newspapers managing directors, editors, reporters and so on.

While presenting the book, Uduaghan, said: “These are challenging times in Nigeria. Times in which I prefer to listen more and talk less. Funke’s book is very inspiring though I have not read it, but reading her columns excites me.”

He congratulated Egbemode and pointed out that many leaders do not feel offended with the writings of journalists even if it is offensive, adding that the book came at the proper time.

Some of the politicians entertained the audience with funny jabs thrown at one another. The letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Goodluck Jonathan on the state of the nation also became subject of discussion and they made fun of it. Uduaghan reminded Anyim that all letters pass through his office.

The audience laughed and forgot their names when Oshiomole was making his speech and said the event was rigged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anyim quickly replied him by saying that if Oshiomole said that the occasion had been rigged by PDP, then his election was rigged.

The duo –Oshiomole and Uduaghan thrilled the audience by arguing over who was taller and whose state’s the headquarters of kidnappers. It was indeed a book launch one would never forget in a hurry, judging by the turn out of journalists and politicians who cracked jokes better than some professionals comedians.