Peter Obi compares Nigeria’s situation to car with knocked engine

Former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has compared Nigeria to a vehicle with a knocked engine.

According to him, Nigerians should focus on fixing the engine than concentrating their energy on who becomes the driver.

Obi made the remarks on Wednesday during the public presentation of “Communication and Media Studies”, a book edited by the first female Professor of Mass Communication in sub-Saharan Africa, Chinyere Stella Okunna, at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Obi, who was the guest of honour at the event, said that people like Prof. Okunna who were contributing to the advancement of knowledge should be encouraged.

He expressed as disgusting a situation in Nigeria where political thugs and diverse rascals were getting rewarded more than professors and researchers.

He said, “Today, nobody recognises academics nor are they invited for meetings on how to deepen knowledge in the country, yet everyday, we hear of meetings with kidnappers and bandits.”

All the speakers took turns eulogizing the book as well as its editor, Prof. Okunna for her devotion to scholarship.

Traditional ruler of Igbakwu, Prof. Onuorah Nwuneli, described Okunna as imbued with ‘analytical mind’.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Okey Esimone, who purchased some copies of the book for the University, described Prof. Okunna as an “accomplished scholar whose love for excellence is inspiring.”

He said that people like her were useful towards achieving his vision of making the university among the best 200 in the world.

He described the book as rich and scholarly and encouraged other lecturers to engage in mentorship of the young ones like Prof. Okunna.

The Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, described Prof Stella Chinyere Okunna as one of the eminent professors that had given a name to Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

She commended her work and promised that the university would start exporting knowledge to all the parts of the world.

Reviewing the book, Prof. Nnamdi Ekeanyanwu who described Prof. Okunna as a “mother and a mentor” said the book was “the first that addresses the unbundling of Mass Communications into eight newly approved courses by the NUC.

Commending the book in all aspects, he said “its technical details, finishing, themes, grammar, contents and language are excellent, depicting the experience and proficiency of the editor.

The reviewer recommended the expansion of the section on public relations, advertising and strategic communication.

He also suggested incorporating, by way of contributions, the practical experiences of media practitioners.

The editor of the book, Prof. Okunna, had earlier said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love.

She thanked Mr Obi for his exemplary leadership, personality and character and the VC for his vision for the university.