By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu – The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu, has urged governments and parents to revive the culture of reading by encouraging all forms of intellectual activities.
Onu made the call in Enugu on Friday at the public presentation of the book entitled `Public Relations: A Practical Approach’ written by the Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, and Mr Kyrian Igwe of the command.
The rector, who was represented by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Obini Onuchukwu, said that the nation must invest in intellectual development to meet advancement in various fields of learning.
“There is great need to encourage and revive all intellectual activities especially the reading culture among students and the general public.
“The world is ruled by people with ideas and ideas can easily be conceptualised by a well developed intellectual base.
“Nigeria as a country needs people with innovative intellectual inclination to help fast track our development in all ramification of human endeavor,’’ he said.
Onu said that the institution had set up intellectual development clubs and organisations as well as encouraged activities and programmes meant to revive reading and research culture.
In a message to the event, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, commended the two officers for their dedication to duty and humanity.
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adminstration and Finance, Mr Oliver Amechi, described the duo as ambassadors of the force.
He urged other men and officers of the force to emulate them, adding that such feat would boost their profession.
In his remarks, the co-author of the book, Amaraizu, a deputy superintendent of police, said that the book spelt out practical approach to enhance human relations.
Amaraizu said that applying the public relation approach of two-way communication was needed to build good governance.
“The book stresses the need to relate with others and build a viable and self-sustaining two-way communication meant for understanding and development in a democratic setting.
“It is a practical guide for all families, communities, offices, departments and leaders,’’ he said.