Abuja – The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC),Rear Admiral Samuel Alade, has advised the academic staff of the institution to manifest intellectual excellence at all times.
Alade gave the advice at the public presentation of the book “Echoes of Nature’’ written by retired Air Commodore Emmanuel Ohanele at the NDC in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commandant was the Chief Host at the book launch.
He said the book, a compilation of poems which captured key issues of life, was a master piece of poetry and intellectual capacity.
“It is, indeed, a master piece of poetry and an elegant display of intellectual capacity.
“I recommend it for usage in all ramifications, including leisure reading and academic purposes.
“To the author I say well done and keep doing more in this regard.
“To other members of the faculty and academic staff of the college, this is a good effort to emulate and I encourage you all to strive towards achieving similar goals,’’ he said.
The book reviewer, Dr Chijioke Wigwe, a directing staff in NDC , said the book was relevant to all Nigerians both young and old.
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“It is a must read for people of all ages, who may find in its pages, words of wisdom, advice, caution, excitement and freedom.
“It is my hope that our literary critics will consider providing a guide by way of literary acquisition to help students and the general reader fully enjoy and share the experiences and messages encoded in this virtues.
“I have myself enjoyed reading the poems and will continue to do so. For each time I read the poems, new perspectives come to mind; that is the mark of great poetry,’’ he said.
Wigwe, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Kenya and the Seychelles, also extolled the virtues of the author.
He said that he was pleasantly amazed that someone of his background could have such an interest in English literature.
“I was, indeed, very much impressed with his approach, quality and the vision contained in his work.
“Being a work of art, there are limitless possibilities in meaning and symbolism that you can extend to this work and that is a mark of a great book,’’ he said.
Dr Bennie Ikegwu, Director, Book Development Centre of the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council, said that the book had been approved by the Minister of Education for schools in the country.
“My job basically is to review books that would eventually be introduced to the Nigerian school system, for quality assurance and control.
“Thus, after carefully reading, assessing and reviewing this book, we have recommended it for the junior and senior secondary levels of students in our schools.
“I can assure you that the stamp of the minister is on it as he has already forwarded letters to the 36 states ministries of education to adopt the book in their school curriculum.
“I am so positive that our children would benefit immensely from the content of the book,’’ she said.
Ohanele, in his response, expressed gratitude to God and to all who supported and encouraged him during the project.
“My goal is to leave an indelible mark for those coming behind which would spur them to greater heights.
“This is one of the things that spurred me to put my thoughts on paper, so that those who can read and have discerning minds can be encouraged to achieve even greater things.
“This book basically is meant to expose people to issues of life and how to view these issues from various dimensions and angles.
“This country is made up of people from various cultures, religions and creeds and we must be able to tolerate one another.
“We must try to see what we can harness from one another to make ourselves as individuals and the nation great,’’ Ohanele said.
NAN reports that Air Commodore Ohanele currently works with the NDC as a directing staff.
He holds a bachelors degree in surveying from the University of Lagos and enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force in 1984 as a member of Course 2 of the Nigerian Air Force Defunct University Cadetship Scheme.
Ohanele voluntarily retired from the service on May 21, 2015, but was retained by the NDC as a directing staff in the academic faculty.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, and Danjuma Sheni, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, attended the occasion. (NAN)