DELTA Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has tasked Nigerians to develop a reading culture to encourage writers in the country.
The governor made the call on Wednesday at the presentation of a book titled: “The Experience,” authored by his Special Assistant, Media, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo in Asaba.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha were also represented at the book launch.
Okowa, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, commended the author for putting his experience on his pilgrimage to Israel and Rome in a book for posterity.
According to him, writing a book was brain tasking, time consuming and demands commitment.
He noted that writing a book is also, time consuming and demands concentrations to be able to connect in the mind and brain and replicate the ideas in a book for others to understand whatever you have read.
The governor said, “It is a difficult task for those who took the pains to put what they have thought in their mind and brain together in writing for others to read and understand.
“Unfortunately as it were, those of us who are in this clime, Nigeria, find it so difficult to read and so, sometimes I pity those who write book, particularly now that the world has gone digital.”
He used the opportunity to call on public officers to endeavour to leave a legacy by impacting on their people.
Chairman of the event, former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, represented by a former Secretary to Imo Government, Mr Uche Onyeagucha lauded the author and advised that he work towards making the book available online to capture more readership that it deserves.
“I want to commend the author for making out time to document his experience on pilgrimage to Israel and Rome, I recommend this book to all and I believe that this book will benefit the people of Delta and Nigerian in general.
“I want to advise that this book be made available online for e-learning given that the world is now technology driven; I know that Delta has a strategic role to play in moving Nigeria forward”, Ihedioha said.
Governor Bello who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Mr Ahmed Mohammed but spoke through Mr Moses Okafor, a member of his cabinet, also lauded the author.
Bello said that the book could be a tool to promote unity and peace in the country rather than the agitations and divisive tendencies seen in the religious bodies today.
He added that it was good for government to support religious activities but not for it to take complete ownership of the projects.
“I believe that this book will be used to as a clarion call to stretch out our hands and work for peaceful Nigeria”.
The Chief Launcher, Chief Dele Omeneogor, urged the people to support the author to enable him print more copies and to make it available online.
Chief launcher of the book, Chief Dele Omeneogor had while launching the book said Nigerians should encourage authors to bring out their best.
Reviewing the book, Hon. Joshua Opia, noted, “…the book, is presented generally in smooth-flowing language characteristic of journalism, and the invaluable place of patience and perserverance in the sustenance of faith in our individual and colllective spiritual journey is not lost on the author from the outset. Accordingly, the book opens with the importance of what is known as the “Upper Room Experience” to Christianity and Christendom. 
“…Please permit me to sign off with the last word from the Foreword by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa: “I invite the reader to take an excursion into the Holy Land as you journey through The Experience.”
