Nigerian Journalist and author of Persona Non Grata appreciates Shettima, Oyetola, Offor and others for being part of the launch

Persona Non Grata: I am Grateful!

When I set out to unveil my new book, Persona Non Grata, I had thought that the 13 days that I have to plan the event would make it difficult for friends and well wishers to attend in their numbers.

But by Saturday, January 18, when I got to Ladi Kwali Hall of Abuja Continental Hotel venue of the book launch and discovered that the hall was already filled to capacity three hours before the start of the event, I became overwhelmed by gratitude. I really do not know what I have done to deserve this overwhelming attendance and support.

My prayer to God is to help me to continue to do those things that have continued to make me so loved by family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers.

My friends and well wishers, professional colleagues, and many others, especially from Kaduna, Osun, Abuja, Lagos and Ilorin, this is to express my appreciation to you all for finding time to honour me.

My appreciation goes to the people’s Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima , GCON for taking charge of the event and for ensuring that the essence of the occasion was not lost on the attendees on the day.

I thank my Principal, Adegboyega Oyetola , CON, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for ensuring that the objective of the launch was achieved.

I am also indebted to the Chief Launcher, Chief Sir Emeka Offor, for raising the bar and for appreciating the intellectual efforts put into the making of the book. Similarly, I thank the co-launchers, Alhaji Sule Lamido ; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Pastor Ojema Ojotu, Chairman, House Committee on NIWA; Hon. Usman Zannah, member House of Representatives from Borno; Deputy National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Alhaji Ibrahim Adebayo Yusuf; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the DG, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the DG BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun; the MD, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh; the DG, FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; the MD NAN, Ali M. Ali; the chairman of the occasion, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN; SSA to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Mr. Tunde Rahman; and several others too numerous to mention for their offerings.

My appreciation also goes to the over 300 guests, including my former lecturer from Kadpoly, Dr. Samson Fagbemi, who came all the way from Kaduna, to show me love.

I am equally grateful to Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Abuja and those of Kaduna branches, the Amani sisters, and my course mates from Kadpoly for their solidarity.

To the Planning Committee, led by Barrister Mobola Bada, you did a yeoman’s job. I will remain eternally grateful to you.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the IGP of Police and former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) all of whom were duly represented on the day, I am grateful for honoring me. To all of you that I have mentioned and those I could not single out for mention, you are all appreciated.

The compere on the day, my friend and brother, Oche Egwa, aiyan wune wune. I am grateful for that superlative anchoring of the book launch. To the book reviewer, Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, who held the audience spellbound throughout the review session, I thank you for wetting the appetite of the potential buyers and readers of the book. Mo mo loore o. To all of you collectively and individually, athing of joy will never cease in your homes. Eseun. Godiya ni ke. Daalu. Ala aiyan wune wune. Many thanks to you all.

To my family, represented on the day by Professor Bashir Omipidan, I can’t ask for better siblings. I am grateful, sir for taking the troubles to come down.

To my lovely wife, Apeke Aya D Owner , I thank you for your understanding, show of love and for providing me with the conducive atmosphere to think and write. To my lovely kids, I adore you and I love you for not getting angry when sometimes I snapped at you while working on the manuscript of the book. God bless you all.

To the Greatest of all, Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I say Alhamdullilahi.

I remain yours truly,
Ismail Omipidan.