The five star launch of Chief Tony Okoroji’s latest book: “On the Road to Change,” held on Sunday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria
Island, Lagos.
Okoroji, an accomplished Nigerian and man of many parts, was at various times a singer/songwriter and producer, before becoming the
President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria at the tender age of 29.
He is currently the chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria, the sole collecting body for the collection of royalties for all Nigerian
artistes.
The event opened with a soulful rendition of the National anthem by songstress Yinka Davies.
Also on hand to entertain the guests were the Energy band and Majek Fashek.
It was indeed first class entertainment all the way.
It was a gathering of Nigerians from all walks of life: from power brokers, politicians, technocrats, and entertainers.
The occasion was chaired by General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, a former governor of the Western region.
The book was reviewed by Victor Nwokocha, Publisher of the Thespian.
Nwokocha stated that ‘On the Road to Change’ is a gentle reminder of what the Nigerian people have established change to be.
In the words of former Oyo and Taraba State Governor, Dr. Amen Oyakhire: “The articles are apt, unbiased, and Nigerians were elated
by his candour.”There was an outpouring of comments about the book.
Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State in the just concluded elections, said: “Do we understand
what it means to change? It means allowing the President-elect to do things properly . . . Asking to be appointed because you qualify, and
not because you contributed to the victory. That is change. . . The change is for all Nigerians and if we do not change, then God help
us.”
Otunba Dayo Bush, former Gbagada Local Government Chairman in Lagos State and current House of Representatives member, thanked the author
for writing the book. Bush said: “All I wanted, and all I want is a better Nigeria. We must allow governance to take its path, while we as a people change our ways.”
Prince Biodun Eguakhide said: “Public office should be made less attractive by reducing the money, in order to get change. Not many
people know the visionary Chief Okoroji as a social critic and commentator. He is also a newspaper columnist; a platform he uses to
air his vigorous, insightful and thought provoking views, which culminated in his new book, which is a compilation of his articles
published in Nigerian newspapers.”