By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The third Edition of Book Club at Peace House , an Initiative of the First Female Head Of Service in Ekiti State, Mrs ‘Peju Babafemi has been held in Ado Ekiti where leaders and aspiring leaders converged to review strategies to navigating social, cultural, academic, economic, Political, religious among other challenges in the contemporary world.
The program which had discussants from different walks of life as well as students from primary to tertiary institutions in and outside the state was aimed at engendering reading for personal growth and community development.
The lead discussant on the chosen book, “Winning Strategies” (50 Selected thoughts for leaders and aspiring leaders) authored by Mr Akin Oluwadare Jnr. Prof Christopher Oluwadare explained that one of the major challenges facing developing nations including Nigeria is the acquisition of quality knowledge and right application.
He noted that quality education is not limited to school exposure but also personal discovery through reading of books that teach how best to navigate the huddles of the complex world
Prof Oluwadare explained that there have been increase in the Knowledge of people of the contemporary age but a great erosion in seeking quality knowledge and proper ways of application that could engender actual peace and development.
Summarizing the ten Chapters of the 214 pages of Winning Strategies, the lead Discussant highlighted Courage, Excellence, Mind, Self Control, Values, Expectation, Delusions, Leadership, Delayed Gratification as part of what leaders and aspiring leaders must learn to master. He described the book as thoughtful, inspiring and realistic in the current world of many distractions.
Other Reviewers of the book included the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Dr Yemisi Afọlábí, the Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress NLC Ekiti State, Mr Kolapo Olatunde, Chief Morakinyo, The General Manager Broadcasting Service Of Ekiti State, Mr Olu Popoola.
There were also retired and serving Permanent Secretaries including Mrs Kayode Ojo, Staff from the office of the Head of Service, Pastor Ajobiewe, Mr Femi Bamisaye among others who are members of the Book Club @Peace House.
The discussants affirmed that the book projects rare and realistic ideas capable of landing leaders and aspiring leaders in the fulfillment of their purposes.
They lauded the Convener of the Book Club for the Initiate aimed at curbing erosion of values in the society particularly the reading culture which is fast being replaced by short codes.
The Head of Service Mrs Peju Babafemi noted that the mission was to help revive the spirit of seeking quality knowledge among the people.
According to her
“This initiative is to see how we can make positive impact and Personal effectiveness. This is a good forum for us to learn. Readers are leader. Unfortunately in this current age, people are no longer interested in reading, but with the establishment of Book Club @Peace House in Ado Ekiti, young people, teenagers, even the older ones would be able to come together, read and improve or change their lives and invariably the society.
We reviewed two books last year but we chose Winning Strategies for this edition because it speaks to the need of the society at this time. It is a must read for every leaders and leadership hopeful. Interestingly, It was authored by a son of the Soil, Akin Oluwadare Jnr from Aramoko Ekiti.”
The husband of the Convener, Pastor Ola Sunday Babafemi avers that the motive was to help people discover their potentials and launching them to limelight.
The author Akin Oluwadare Jnr. commended Mrs Peju Babafemi for spending time on books despite her busy schedule. Moreso, for the choice of winning Strategy for the third Edition of the program.
He charged people to emulate her saying that the Book Club @Peace House is one of the best legacies that any leader could give.