By Jonathan Ugbal and Ukung Alawa
Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and Cross River Governor have commended the strides of former NNPC top gun, Mr. Jedy Agba.
The commendations were given at the unveiling of Mr. Agba’s autobiography of titled: “Stepping Forward With Uti J.D Agba” Saturday in Calabar, the Cross River Capital.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are older or younger, there is something to learn from every autobiography,” said Obasanjo who urged all present “not just to see it but to read it.”
He said that autobiographies were like testimonies and after reading that of Mr. Agba, he found striking similarities.
“Autobiography is like a testimony. When you give a testimony you are doing two things that are very important. You are giving praise and thanks and then you are giving to the world, what you know about yourself and then you fling it to the world and then they can do whatever they want to do.
“But then as it is said by Prof, it is on record, it is on marble and then people can do whatever they want to do.
“When I read it and I said to Jedy this morning; God has been extremely extremely kind, he has being over kind to me. But, when I read this book, I saw that you are next to me and he did not hesitate to agree.
“For me, when I hear good things about people, I want to relate with them,” Obasanjo said and presented the book “to the world, for the benefit of all that will read it to enhance their own quality of life and service to humanity.”
In his remarks, Ayade who eulogized Mr. Agba, launched the books with the sum of NGN10 million promising to stock the state library with copies.
He described Agba as: “A genuine politician who is very polished at heart. A man who understands the beauty of relationship does not lie in the continuous trouble with one another but in providing (a) shoulder for you to join him (and) work.
“Let me say it very clearly that we are here to honor a very special young son of Cross River State, a medallion of hope, a galaxy of the understanding of the supremacy of God’s power over the universe.
“A young man who has come, who has joined us in the political landscape and has continuously demonstrated maturity, class, elegance, relaxation and education.
“Today, as we are all gathered here in honor of Goddy Jedy Agba. Just look at the galaxy, look at the people here, from the former president to the who and who that matters in Nigeria, across the military to the civilian landscape; this is so because of his nature, his style; the spirit of forgiveness, the spirit of oneness, the spirit of coming together at all times.
“Here is a man that ran election with me, but the same man turned out to become the chairman of the finance committee working hard to raise funds for my own elections. Today we are together working together.”
In his review, Professor Kalu Uka who wrote the foreword of the book and edited the manuscript said the book pictures “A Governor in waiting after age 11.”
He described it as “Goldenly valued and finished in shining black armor and jacket. And against that background, as if tearing out into life, a technically half lit, silhouette image of Jedy in pensive mode. It is a history rewriting adventurous cover because like our people say; every photo image starts from the first eye. What the eye sees, it transmits to the heart.”
Professor Uka who left many reeling with laughter during his review making jokes about everything including mannequins said the topics, opinions and images in the nine paragraphs, 141 paged book maintained that the book has nuggets of “The deep knowledge and thoughts of events.”
He shared the position of the guest lecturer, Professor Wole Soyinka who was absent on biographies and autobiographies; “One’s life needs not be told or recorded beyond the age of eleven,” and ended his review with positive comments.
“I present to you, a book that is priceless because no price is indicated in this cover or jacket.
“This is a book put together as a pathfinder to any educated citizen who wants to understand this country.
“Every line of the 141 pages of this book is a nugget of wisdom. All the 15 pages of note are and all 13 pages of index are additional information.
“This is a book that must inspire. This is a book that lights up a path for those who choose forward into true service, service oriented life,” he said.
He added that: “This a religiously respected book of the portrait that deserves a place in the profiles of courage and commitment.
“Read it, own it, recommend it to others and thank God the book is coming now as we look forward to the future of Nigerian politics where we step forward with diligence.”
The event was well attended by several dignitaries from across the country.
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