‘Working with Buhari’ rocks Uyo, by Femi Adeshina

Saturday April 27, 2024, was a special day for book lovers in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State.

Femi Adesina, author of ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, 2015-2023,’ was in town at the behest of Uyo Book Club, to do a reading from the fast selling book.

Venue was Watbridge Hotel, owned by the illustrious Senator Dr Ekong Sampson, who is also the patron of the book club.

Book lovers and enthusiasts turned out in their scores to be part of the event for the month of April. Special Guest was former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, who was represented by a former Attorney-General of the State, Chief Victor Iyanam Iyanam.

Also there were people like Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Uyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, former editor of National Concord, Engineer Nsikak Essien, founder of the club, Dr Udeme Nnanna, renowned journalist and a former colleague at The Sun Newspaper, Dr Usoro I Usoro, a dyed-in-the wool Buharist, Imaobong Akpan, top flight journalist Anietie Usen, NTA Efo, a battery of writers from Akwa Ibom State, who are authors of diverse books, medical doctors, Ph.D holders and Professors, as well as professionals from many fields.

It was indeed a day to savor and remember, as Adesina read chapters from his book, which the audience followed keenly. A question and answer session came next, and before anyone knew it, three hours, going to four, were gone.

The author unveiled former President Buhari from perspectives the audience never knew before, and many of them, who were virulent critics called Wailing Wailers, confessed that they were now better informed.

Akwa Ibom native authors took turns to donate their books to Adesina, who they encouraged to establish a book club in Lagos, or in his native Ipetumodu, in Osun State. He departed Uyo laden with books that almost commanded cost for excess luggage from the airline.

Was Uyo a ball? And even more than a ball. A scenic, idyllic city that beckons on you to come again and again. And you bet. I’ll be back there. Soon.