Peter Nwangwu, a Nigerian-American professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy has officially commissioned a book that exclusively focuses on building a corruption-free Nigeria.
Titled ‘We The People: Building a New Democracy in Nigeria as a Model for Africa,’ the unveiling ceremony was held yesterday at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos with a considerable turnout of professionals from all walks of life.
In attendance were Prof. Aloy Ejiogu, book reviewer; Prof. Elewechi Okike, chief executive, Academy for Excellence in Education, United Kingdom; Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Prof. Uduogie Ivowi, renowned professor of Physics Education; Dr. (Mrs) H.O.J. Akinade, librarian, Mountain Top University, Ogun State; Dr. Fred Odutola, representative of Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Rev. (Dr.) Gary Maxey, founder, West African Theological Seminary.
As expected of the fiery-brand professor, ‘We The People: Building a New Democracy in Nigeria as a Model for Africa,’ a 432-page compendium with contributions from 18 professionals mirrored several acts of corruption and other malaise plaguing the Nigerian society.
Nwangwu, a former presidential aspirant who lost out in 2011 general election, told a bewildered audience that he has since discovered that vying into leadership positions in the country is suicidal due to what he termed ‘grassroots mentality.’
“For just N1,000 note, there are people who will prefer to sell their vote and spend the next four years of governance suffering the consequence. It is that bad!
“That was why I mentioned in the book that to get a corruption-free Nigeria, the cleansing must start from bottom all the way to the top. This is our country and we the people must take it back!” he emphasised.
In his keynote remark, Gen. Yakubu explained that having ruled this country for nine years (1966-1975) and following the trends since then, there is no gainsaying that many countries look up to Nigeria for leadership. “Nigeria has played host to refugees from many countries in Africa at one time or another – Ghana, Liberia, Sierra-Leone and other. But which country will play host to about 200 million people that we are?
“We need to migrate to perfection and the recipe in this book will surely see us leaving a good legacy for the next generation who will be leading us,” he said.
In a similar vein, Atueyi also commended Nwangwu adding that having being in the system, the author sure knows what he was talking about.
“As a professional colleague, I have a duty to assist him to promote his vision and mission,” he reassures.
For the record, Nwangwu is an executive assistant to the vice chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka in which capacity he serves as the chief development officer of the university.
He has won many international awards in the United States, including “2005 Ronald Reagan Gold Medal” by the National Republican Congressional Committee; “2005 Man of the year” by the American Biographical Institute; “Businessman of the year 2005,” by the US Business Advisory Council, and “2006 Congressional Medal of Distinction.”
He also serves as President and Chief Executive officer of the University of Nigeria Research and Economic Development (UNRED) foundation.
