FG partners Leadership Folio to boost nation’s image

… as minister signs MoU for Grand Book Production

Federal government, yesterday, took a bold step to shore up Nigeria’s image with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a consortium, LeadershipFolio for the production of first ever Grand Book in Nigeria.

The Grand Book, which will serve as a collection of Nigeria’s archival heritage, is a compendium of inspiring cultural treasures depicting the rich cultural history.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who led his team of officials to sign the MoU with the chairman of Leadership Folio group, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, described the event as a “giant stride in the annals of Nigeria’s historical documentation.”

The minister, while recalling the events that culminated into the MoU signing, said he never had an iota of doubt about the credibility and capabilities of the Leadership Folio team to do a perfect job on the production of the Grand Book from the first day he set his eyes on the dummy.

“When in the early stage of my tenure the company came with a proposal to produce the Grand Book, after looking critically at the dummy, I was not in doubt about the capabilities of the Leadership Folio team to produce this great historical document,” he said.

He assured that he will do whatever it will take to protect public interest as he works with the team and the ministry officials to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, adding that the project was already captured in the 2017 budget.

“We have already made provisions for the project in the 2017 budget. But I also want to assure that we must work hard to find strong support for the marketing drive.”

“ I was convinced that the team can pull this Grand Book through because when you look at the quality of information and photographs contained as being presented in this edition, you know that we have very very rare pictures that only The Daily Times could have captured.”

Buoyed by the quality of work contained in the Grand Book, the Minister directed officials of the National Archives to quickly develop a working relationship with The Daily Times on the issue.

The minister, while displaying the coffee size of the Grand Book, noted that “Every page in this Grand Book is a great delight and this is why I believe that there can be no better gift.”

The minister also promised to ensure that the Grand Book not only becomes the official gift of the ministry, but also of the presidency and other arms of government and the ministries, departments and agencies of government.

Chairman of Leadership Folio team, Mr. Anosike, in his remarks, noted that the project was conceived about five years ago, after producing the Nigeria @50 Book that captured the nation’s 50 years of existence. The idea is to be able to use the Grand Book as a relish to promote the image of Nigeria.

According to him: “You need to be able to present a book that can represent the image of the country, taking into consideration our treasure trove of nostalgic pictures and bring perspectives to understanding the dynamics of the Nigerians nation.”

He added that “What you see today is a one year concept involving the legal adviser to capture a literary artwork that will be able to showcase what everyone will be happy with.”

He also assured that the team “will do everything to make this a legacy project for the ministry to give you more benefits for the money you have been spending in rebuilding Nigeria and we are here to support you all the way.”

Those present at the signing of the MoU include top officials of the ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, the Legal Adviser, Mary B. Baiyekusi, Andy Omeke, Director Production, Publication and Documentation, Dr. M. Kayode, Director Finance and Administration (Culture), Grace Gekpe, Director Entertainment and Creative Services and Director, General Services, Mr. Adebola Kayode. Others include, Mr. Mike Okpere, Group Managing Director of the Leadership Folio Limited.