Seun Awogbenle launches book on new vision for Nigeria amid secession threats

Seun Awogbenle, Nigerian youth advocate and author, has launched ‘The Urgency of Now: Why Nigeria Needs A vision of Prosperity, Protection and Liberty’, a new book.

In a statement sent to TheCable Lifestyle on Friday, Awogbenle said the 10-chapter project harped on the imperative of visioning, leadership, youth participation, and active citizenship.

According to him, the book was inspired by his years of introspection on how he thinks Nigeria can pull back from the brinks in the face of the present uncertainty and endless agitation.

Awogbenle said he is convinced that what Nigeria needs is a new vision, not secession or division.

“In the book, I have taken a philosophical approach at reimagining Nigeria and its future. I argued that Nigeria has struggled with development over the years because of the absence of a binding national vision, which is the minimal and irreducible promise of a country to its people regardless of their identity, creed, ethnicity, circumstance of birth and social status,” he said.

“For some countries, the vision was the result of a well-thought-out decision, for others, it was circumstantial, but at some point in their evolution, there were either defining words of promise or events that have shaped the evolution and progression of most nation.”

He added said the book, which was foreword by Simon Kolawole, founder/CEO of Cable Newspaper Ltd, offers useful insights on how countries such as Singapore and the US became successful through calculated vision even without natural resources.

“I have proposed three planks (prosperity, protection, and liberty). I believe that for Nigerians to have a connection with the country, beyond their certificate of birth, ancestry and origin, there must be a state promise that guarantees citizens prosperity, protection, and liberty,” he said.

According to Awogbenle, the book also emphasised the place of active citizenship in driving positive change in Nigeria since they are mostly affected by the consequence of leadership and government.

On his part, Kolawole described the book as a “significant project, seeking to infuse vision, passion, and common sense into the quest for Nigeria’s greatness.”

Similarly, Tope Fasua, Nigerian economist, who wrote the blurb of the book, said the project is “worthy of every minute immersed in it even at a time when time has become incredibly valuable.”