From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has harped on the need for education which his administration has made a top priority in the past three years.
According to him with education the state would be able to produce more thinkers and literally icons like
Gabriel Okara and authors like the Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom who has written three books in three years.
Diri represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo spoke on Tuesday at the double launch of the books titled, The African Voice and Once A Soldier authored by King Dakolo at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
He commended King Dakolo for demonstrating that being educated pays, which is enough example to discourage the youths from violence and other vices.
Diri also applauded King Dakolo for not allowing challenges faced in the course of life to dissuade him from his dream.
He congratulated King Dakolo for his literary feat in producing three books within a space of two years, stating that Monarch braced all odds to achieve his goals in life.
He, therefore, urged the youths to emulate the shining example of the King and stop seeking justice through violence and criminal means.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Godknows Igali said the literary works of King Dakolo underscores the need for the Niger Delta people to reflect on their culture, history and identity as a people and chart a common way forward for sustainable development.
Dr. Igali, who is also Chairman of all Pro Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, noted that traditional rulers were custodians of a people’s cultural heritage and history, describing King Dakolo as an epitome of a 21st century monarch.
Reviewers of the book, The African Voice, were Dr Ebidenyefa Nikade and Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University while Once A Soldier was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Solomon Udounwa who was represented by the Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira and Justice Simon Amaduobogha.
The four reviewers commended King Dakolo for the lucid and elegant style of writing which they recommended to Nigerians.
King Bubaraye Dakolo read excerpts from his two books and expressed gratitude to the governor and his deputy for their support disclosed that he started writing while he was still in military service.
The book Once A Soldier is an autobiography of King Dakolo which tells his story from birth while the African Voice is a book that stirred awareness of the African renaissance.
The two books are coming on the heels of his first book, The Riddle of Oil Thief which has gained international recognition for speaking out against environmental injustice.