A rigorous intellectual discussion unfolded at the Port Harcourt Club’s Book Section, marking a significant collaboration between the Book Section, Port Harcourt Club 1928, and The Nigerian Literary Society. The event was organised to present and discuss Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside’s two latest literary works, Beneath the Surface and Leading in the Storm.
The presentation was graced by renowned academics and dignitaries, including key figures from the organising bodies: Engr. Henry Okolie, the Captain of the Book Section, and Dr. David Chukwueke, the Curator/Founder of the Nigerian Literary Society. The evening served not just as a literary engagement but as a deep dive into Nigeria’s persistent developmental challenges, with Dr. Peterside offering a clear-eyed diagnosis and a practical framework for national reform.
The comprehensive discussion was expertly guided by two distinct moderators: Alekiri Elechi Amadi Ejimofor, who steered the conversation on the strategic insights within Beneath the Surface, and Awolanye Banigo, who led the exploration of the crisis leadership principles detailed in Leading in the Storm.
The author who has written over 200 academic and contemporary articles, and driven by a desire for a wider audience to access his critical analysis, explained that his writing was inspired by the need to invest in future generations and provide practical suggestions for solving some of the nation’s most complex problems.
“No society grows without investing in the future generations,” Dr. Peterside noted, recalling how the writings of figures like Thomas Paine profoundly influenced him as a young person. The compilation of essays in his work draws from logical and analytical facts, intended to inspire citizens to “act differently for the collective good of Nigeria.”
The Root of the Challenge: A Broken Pipeline
In Beneath the Surface, Dr. Peterside tackles critical contextual issues, particularly the chronic lack of quality leadership. He posed the fundamental question plaguing the nation: “We have mineral resources and smart people, but why are we referred to as underdeveloped?”
His analysis points to two key structural failures in the national system: the Leadership Recruitment Pipeline and the prevalence of incompetent persons leading those with capacity. He stressed that a lack of resilient institutions enables the emergence of incompetent leaders.
Dr. Peterside drew sharp comparisons, noting that while Nigeria gained independence, China’s GDP was comparatively lower. He argued that the quality of leadership subsequently changed China’s global outlook. Citing the structured political system there, he observed, “It takes 20 years to rise to leadership in China.” He also highlighted Singapore, a nation with minimal mineral resources but immense progress driven by institutional strength.
For Nigeria to reverse its fortunes, he insists on three non-negotiable qualities for any leader: Vision, Character, and Competence.
Calming the Waters: Leading in the Storm
The second book, Leading in the Storm, shifts focus to crisis management and effective communication when a nation or organization faces adversity. Dr. Peterside outlined the essential qualities required for a leader in crisis, including the ability to make decisions on one’s feet, a learning mindset, and prioritising collaboration and teamwork.
He presented Seven Principles of Crisis Communication; the “7 C’s” as a blueprint for navigating turbulent times:
- Calming and Reassuring
- Clear and Frequent Communication
- Commitment to Transparency
- Compassion and Empathy
- Clarity in Course
- Constant Adaptability
- Cultivate Hope and Resilience
Dr. Peterside concluded by reminding the audience that Nigeria’s immense potential remains largely underutilised, specifically pointing out the nation’s under-investment in the agricultural sector. His works stand as a powerful call for institutional reform, a commitment to rigorous leadership standards, and a renewed sense of patriotism to drive the nation toward its deserved potential.
