Austin Emaduku’s book on Nigeria’s socio-political journey set for unveiling on August 25
A book by Austin Emaduku, titled ‘Colours of My Mind’, is set for public presentation on August 25 at the Egini Community Townhall in Egini, Udu LGA of Delta state.
According to a statement issued by the organisers, the event will be chaired by GG Darah, an academic and pioneer scholar of oral literature in Nigeria.
Published by Premium Times Books, ‘Colours of My Mind’ is a collection of essays, reflections and creative writings chronicling Nigeria’s socio-political journey in the second decade of the 21st century.
The 275-page book draws largely from Emaduku’s social media interventions and public commentaries, examining leadership failures, democratic contradictions, cultural erosion and the resilience of Nigerians.
It will be reviewed by Stephen Nse Kekeghe, a lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka.
“Written in clear, engaging, and accessible prose, Colours of My Mind reverberates Austin Emaduku’s voice as a public intellectual, social critic, and keen observer of national life,” the statement reads.
“With wit, courage, and moral clarity, he poses uncomfortable questions, confronts hypocrisy, and calls attention to the human cost of poor leadership and systemic neglect.
More importantly, it draws from the “colours” of the author’s natal land and environment – its distinct mores, ethos and ways-of-life, foregrounding this within the larger geography of power, contestations, and counter-contestations, which threaten erosions of identity and culture, which he wars against.
“What comes out of this landscape of throbbing narrations, is not only a feast for the senses, but a tour-de-force of contemporary anthropology, urban sociology and history.”
The book also explores the culture and traditions of Emaduku’s natal community and examines how changing political, social and economic realities threaten the erosion of identity and cultural values.
The author examined issues including governance, federalism, elections, human rights, the Niger Delta question, religion, culture and ethics across six sections
He addressed environmental degradation, youth restiveness and the region’s long-standing political and socio-economic challenges.
“His core reflection on the Niger Delta Question offers an insider’s perspective on the “intractable problems” of the region, even as he poignantly critiques the “unthinking agitation” and militancy that, while born of genuine frustration over environmental degradation and negligence, has often turned inward, terrorising the very people it sought to liberate,” the statement added.
“He, more so, speaks candidly to concerns around the restructuring of the country, the burdens inflicted by Nigeria’s current quasi-unitary system, the pathway of redemption tied to a notion of ‘true’ federalism, the necessity of democratic accountability, even as he goes hard against the “hypocrisy of religious intolerance,” “cultural inferiorisation” of African traditions, and the impacts of modern Pentecostalism.”
Darah, who wrote the foreword, described Emaduku’s writing style as “erudite and punchy”, while commending his “conviction and strident voice of a public intellectual”.
Emaduku, a native of Egini, holds a PhD and is a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Human and Natural Resources.
He is the head of personnel management in Ughelli South LGA and a former president-general of the Union of Udu Communities. He is also a member of the Udu Council of Chiefs.
The book draws on his experience as a public administrator and indigene of the Niger Delta to examine the region’s challenges within the broader Nigerian political and social context.
The presentation will also feature the official opening of the Egini Community Public Library, which was donated by Emaduku.
Vincent Oyibode, chairman of Udu LGA, is the chief launcher, while Innocent Ogboru, chairman of the Delta State Library Board, will be the principal guest of honour.
Richard Odibo is the chief host, while Lucky Avweromre, chairman of Ughelli South LGA, will serve as the book presenter.