The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is set to host the London launch of a new book by Olu Fasan on Wednesday, October 7. The book, titled "In the National Interest: The Road to Nigeria’s Political, Economic and Social Transformation," will be marked with a fireside chat and a speech by the author. This event coincides with the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and takes place a few months before the country’s next presidential election.
The event will feature a speech by Fasan titled “66 Years On: How Can Nigeria Escape the Fragility Trap and Unlock Its Potential?” Aanu Adeoye, a Financial Times journalist and former West Africa correspondent in Lagos, will respond to Fasan’s presentation and share insights from his experience covering Nigeria. Milli Lake, a professor at LSE’s Department of International Relations, will chair the event, bringing her expertise in state-building, the rule of law, governance, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The book was launched in Nigeria in November last year at an event hosted by Vanguard newspaper and supported by BusinessDay. Reuben Abati, a veteran journalist, anchored the launch, which was chaired by Anya Anya, former chair of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Segun Aganga, a former Minister of Finance, delivered the keynote address at the Lagos event.
Guests at the Nigeria launch included Sam Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers; Nike Akande, the special guest of honour; Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, a former Minister of Industry; and Erelu Abiola-Dosunmu, a former Minister of Health. Other attendees included Yemi Akeju, Chief Administrator of the Nigeria Media Merit Awards; Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay; and Eze Anaba, president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and editor of Vanguard newspaper.
Fasan is a columnist for Vanguard and BusinessDay newspapers and holds a PhD from LSE. He has also taught at the university, adding to his academic and professional credentials in the field. His book aims to provide a path-charting guide for Nigeria’s transformation, relevant not only to Nigerians at home but also to those in the diaspora and the international community.
The author expressed his gratitude to LSE for hosting the London launch, helping to introduce the book to an international audience. Following the successful launch in Nigeria, Fasan looks forward to sharing his work with a broader audience. The event at LSE will offer a timely forum to discuss Nigeria’s future and prospects for transformation.
The London launch of "In the National Interest" is expected to attract members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, along with friends of Nigeria across Britain’s academic, business, and diplomatic communities. The event is poised to contribute to the ongoing conversation about Nigeria’s development and its potential for political, economic, and social transformation.
Key points
- The London School of Economics will host the launch of Olu Fasan's book on Nigeria's transformation on October 7.
- The book "In the National Interest" was previously launched in Nigeria in November last year.
- The event at LSE aims to discuss Nigeria's future and prospects for transformation.
