The Project Coordinator of the book project, ‘Heroes of Abia Heritage’, Mr. Victor Nwokocha, has said that the book will bring honour to Abia State.
It would be recalled that afnews.ng recently unveiled the book project which is a Special Projects initiative of two frontline media organizations, Keystone Media and Gold Ink Communication Limited. The book is conceived as an encyclopedic compendium of 100 most influential role models of Abia origin across spheres and generations.
Speaking with reporters on the project, Mr. Nwokocha who is also the CEO of Keystone Media explained that the book, Heroes of Abia Heritage, will bring immense honour to Abia by documenting the historic achievements of great Abia sons and daughters and showcasing such before the world.
According to him, “There has been quite some uncomplimentary stories in recent times about Abia State, nearly dictating the dominant narrative about the State, and casting the State and its indigenes in dark shadows of controversy based on perceptions that may have been sustained by the activities of few persons who dishonoured their mandates as leaders. Heroes of Abia Heritage extensively responds to this prevailing perception which, if not confronted and corrected, may continue to deny the truth that Abia State is home to great patriots and heroes whose honest labour and trend-setting achievements in all sectors continue to make Nigeria proud.”
He noted that since 1993 when Professor S.N. Nwabara published ‘God’s Own State: An Account of the Creation of Abia State’, there has been a dearth of literature on outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed remarkably to the development of Abia State. “This book seeks to close the gap and archive the legacies of deserving Abia Ambassadors”, he said.
Regarding the structure and quality of the book, Mr. Nwokocha assured that the book would not compromise quality in terms of content or form.
In his words, “the book is anchored on the core values of integrity and merit. It would profile the historical trajectory of Abia State, the founding fathers, contemporary leaders in public and private sectors, unique investment propositions and other essential elements that would make it an authoritative resource material for everyone.”
Disclosing that the project has received the endorsement of notable Abia patriots and institutions, including the Abia State Orientation Agency, he further informed that selection of individuals and brands to be featured in the book would be based on the meritorious credentials of nominees listed from nominations by members of the public. He said that a call that would soon be made in that regard.
He also gave a hint that the book shall be presented, possibly, sometime in December 2020, and appealed to all Abians to support the project.
