President Muhammadu Buhari has described a new book written by late Dimgba Igwe and Mike Awoyinfa as a “global model in journalism.’’
Buhari made the remark on Tuesday in Lagos at the launch of “50 World Editors- Conversation with Journalism Masters on Trends and Best Practices,’’ written by the duo.
The duo started writing the book before Igwe was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Sept. 6, 2014 near his residence at Okota, Lagos.
The president who was represented by Mrs Oluseyi Abiodun, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information, described the book as a “story of a Nigeria dream’’.
He said the duo had mentored editors, publishers and managers in the media industry.
According to him, the book is an epic writing that teaches journalism from the practical experiences of editors.
He said the book was a treasured work that would benefit journalists, politicians, administrators, chief executive officers, managers and everyone who had something to do with the media.
The president said that the book launch would have been well celebrated if Igwe was alive to see is work.
“Today should have been a day when a writer should have seen his dream come true,’’ Buhari said.
He commended the authors for traveling globally to get notable journalists with wide experiences and knowledge “which showed the book as a labour of love for journalism’’.
The president said that Igwe’s wife should be consoled that her husband died as a true hero and columnist who could not suffer any act of corruption and injustice.
“Igwe’s death is a parable for Nigeria, a country where security and impunity have become the norm such that somebody will commit crime and believe that he will not be caught.
“Tell the criminals that the long arms of the law will catch them soon. Even if you escape the judgment of man, you will not escape the judgment of God.’’
He congratulated the authors for creating their own school of journalism, urging Nigerians to emulate how they related, in spite of coming from different ethnic groups.
Buhari also advised other journalists to write books that would inspire people and add value to the growth of the nation.
Awoyinfa read a long letter written to his late friend Igwe, saying that not even time could heal the wound received as a result of his death.
He said that the book was written because of the hunger, passion and love for the profession, expressing hope that people could use it to gain knowledge.
Awoyinfa said that he would continue to launch a book every year in memory of Igwe.
The reviewer of the book, Mr Eric Osagie, said that the 682-page book talks about the passion and travails of international and local journalists.
Some dignitaries who graced the occasion include Chief Segun Osoba, a media guru and former governor of Ogun state and Malam Wada Maida, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.