L-R: Ismail Omipidan, author of Persona Non Grata, with Chris Ezike, chief of staff to Emeka Offor
Emeka Offor, Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, has called for more investments in education.
Offor spoke on Wednesday, while receiving copies of ‘Persona Non Grata’, a memoir by Ismail Omipidan, a veteran journalist.
Represented by Chris Ezike, his chief of staff and retired assistant inspector-general of police, Offor described books as a treasury of knowledge.
He said the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation has long championed literacy across Nigeria and Africa through collaborative large-scale book donations, adding that ‘Persona Non Grata’ will now become part of the educational materials available to students.
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“Education is the greatest component and catalyst of propelling development. You cannot talk about developing the economy when you have no knowledge,” he said.
“Education is about knowledge. The totality of our personality, values, and way of life revolves around what we know and what we do not know.
“One book can train a generation because books represent the bank of knowledge. Our founder believes in the power of books, so ‘Persona Non Grata’ will be part of our national distribution to universities and colleges of education.”
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The book traces Omipidan’s path in journalism and politics.
It highlights key events in the country, including the 2022 Osun governorship race, and the formation of the 8th senate leadership.
The author also shares his encounters with influential figures, the ethical dilemmas he faced and how he navigated between conviction and compromise.
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