Author: Akinsola M. Johnson Publisher: May University Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-978-51256-3-4
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Once in a while, we come across a book that makes perfect sense to us.
Caught In A Trap fits neatly into this category. In less than 260 pages, it covers Nigeria’s many leadership and development challenges, and points out viable alternatives to the rather uncertain development path the country has taken in the past few decades. Its author treats the issues with a detectable intention to lay bare the issues that lie behind the economic and socio-political problems Nigerians have had to live with. The book is a two-part compendium of articles which were first published on BusinessDay Newspaper.
In the book, Johnson Akinsola advocates for leadership devoid of “an illusion of omnipotence”- a reference to the tendency of leaders in these parts to hang on to power and treat the state apparatus as though it were theirs alone. He speaks for the adherence to the rule of law and in defense of the constitution, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and social order. He also attacks the greed that makes leadership a matter of looting the public treasury, warns against taking the Nigerian democratic project lightly, and points out that the attitude of Nigerians to leadership will determine the view that citizens of other countries take of them. In one chapter, he suggests that the chaotic and law-breaking tendencies of Nigeria’s leaders actually testify to a national habit of disorderliness. He makes a call for all to do away with “the Nigerian Factor” and embrace greatness earned through diligence and hard work.
In the second part of the book, Mr Akinsola probes Nigeria’s development challenges. He says that the country’s preoccupation with oil is a hindrance to its progress, and points to education, technological innovation, and well-planned and executed policies as vital to the development of the country. At present, he notes, Nigeria’s development indices don’t have a fine look about them. He puts the blame on poor leadership but also explains how misguided policies have cost Nigeria several decades of economic progress. The spheres he covers include power, the economy, corporate governance, entrepreneurship and leadership knowledge base. Mr Akinsola deals with each challenge by drawing on established facts and applies the theories of sustainable growth to Nigeria’s economic situation.
Caught In A Trap is an interesting read, one that does justice to Nigeria’s leadership and development issues in a way that is easy to understand and appreciate. And because its style lends it to the average reader, it can be read by anyone who wants to understand the development challenges faced by Nigeria, and what options exist for the country as far as solutions are concerned.
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Copies of Caught In A Trap can be obtained from any of these locations:
- CSS Bookshop, Bookshop House, 50/52 Broad Street, CMS, Lagos.
- Glendora Bookshop: Ikeja City Mall (Shoprite), Ikeja, Lagos.
- Laterna Ventures: 13, Oko Awo Close, off Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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BusinessDay Book Club: The Brook, 6 Point Road, Apapa, Lagos.
- Jed Mega Store, Upper Floor, The Palms, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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