ThisDay Columnist, Lanre Alfred Releases New Book ‘The Titans’

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

A columnist with Nigeria’s ThisDay Newspaper, Lanre Alfred, has released a new book titled ‘The Titans: Amazing Exploits of Nigeria’s Greatest Achievers.’

The book, fifth of Alfred’s publishing endeavours, was unveiled to the media at the public presentation on Thursday at the Protea Hotel, Isaac John, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

Alfred’s new book has been widely commended as a product of meticulous research spanning the last decade as it chronicles the exploits and attainments of Nigeria’s finest brains and leaders in different fields of endeavour.

Speaking at the media launch, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, commended the writer’s depth and the painstaking research that heralded the factual and inspiring narrative.

He said Lagos State government supports the idea and final production of the coffee book because many of the titans whose life and achievements are chronicled in the book are Lagosians who truly deserve to be called titans.

Ayorinde, a foremost journalist turned public servant enjoined many other journalists to emulate the author, Alfred by looking at other areas of interest and document them for posterity sake.

Also commenting on the book, Bashorun Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, enthused about the finesse and brilliant craft of the author.

He described the book as a timely and necessary material on achievers and role models which would be necessary for future references.

In his comment, the author stressed that the book details the matchless and valuable contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria by individuals who have turned an idea into an industry and attained in the process, remarkable prosperity and renown.

“This book is about the wunderkinds from the slums of Ajegunle, Bariga, Surulere, Agege, Amukoko, Ijora, among other places that have parlayed their creativity into a flourishing enterprise and are not only financially liberated but are accorded global respect,” Alfred said.

According to him, “The book mirrors the outstanding resilience and perseverance of outstanding Nigerians in their ambitious dash for honour and progress and in the face of daunting political and socio-economic odds.”

Alfred added that the book is dedicated to renowned businessman Captain Idahosa Okunbo for profound reasons chiefly among them is the rarity of his persona.

He noted that Okunbo, the Chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions flaunts the same fundamental psychology as the artist, inventor, or statesman.

“He has set himself at a certain work and the work absorbs and becomes him. It is the expression of his personality; he lives in its growth and perfection according to his plans,” Alfred stated the Edo State-born billionaire.

“Captain Okunbo became worthy of the honour by account of his sterling industry, humanity and unpretentious modesty manifests positively on all of his acquaintances. He is a patriot whose commitment to national and economic stability are beyond doubt. He is currently one of the very few economic giants and magnates enjoying the respect of the Nigerian government due to his infectious modesty and enviable business culture in the oil and gas sector.

“Captain Okunbo would be 60 in January. At 60, he has conquered air, sea and land. There is no gainsaying that he has conquered the air as a pilot; the sea as an oil and gas player with over 60 vessels; and now, land as he recently unveiled an agricultural project worth a staggering $750 million with an initial $300 million take-off capital,” he stated.

Some of the chapters in the book include: ‘The Forbears, Their Imperial Majesties, Like Burnished Stones, Thrill Merchants, Gods of Industry among others.

“Essentially, I have documented in pristine prose and pictures, the inspiring exploits and attainments of Nigeria’s finest breed of magnates, politicians, scientists, academics, technocrats and entertainers who are transforming the world and inspiring others to do likewise,” said Alfred.

Thus, as he recalls his subjects’ storied trajectory and records it for posterity and historians, Alfred projects his book as an inspirational mini-biography of the exploits of Nigeria’s finest.

In commemoration of Lagos’ golden jubilee, Alfred noted that, “A section of the book has been devoted to the contributions and achievements of some Lagosians whose industry and initiatives have contributed to making Lagos the fifth largest economy in Africa and a primus inter pares in Nigeria. Their contributions to the growth of Lagos would be put into proper historical perspectives for the benefit of posterity and researchers.”

With a Foreword written by Encomium Magazine publisher, Mr. Kunle Bakare, the coffee table book has hit bookshelves across the country.

Alfred, is the publisher of the popular coffee table book, ‘Highlife – Amazing Lifestyles of Nigeria’s Rich and Famous’ and biographies including ‘Pacemaker – Triumphs of Igho Sanomi at 40’, ‘The Lion of Afia Nsit – Triumphs of Scott Tommey at 45’; and ‘Julius Rone…The Jewel of the Delta’.