Otti Praises Veteran Journalist Chidi Amuta’s Memoir

Otti Praises Veteran Journalist Chidi Amuta’s Memoir

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commended veteran journalist and public intellectual, Dr Chidi Amuta, for documenting his life experiences and Nigeria’s history in his new memoir, Homage: Return to Familiar Places.

Otti spoke during the presentation of the memoir in Lagos over the weekend, describing the book as an engaging and well-written account. He particularly praised its concise and fluid narrative, saying it was written in a way that could keep readers engaged.

The governor also commended Amuta for completing the memoir at the age of 73, saying the achievement should encourage people who believe age or busy schedules prevent them from pursuing intellectual and creative work.

The event also featured tributes from former military president Ibrahim Babangida, represented by Abbey Ibrahim, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, veteran journalist Ray Ekpu and media executive Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Reviewing the book, Chairman of the THISDAY Editorial Board, Segun Adeniyi, said the 24-chapter memoir traces Amuta’s journey from his childhood and experience of the Nigerian Civil War through academia, journalism, public service and reflections on Nigeria’s development.

Amuta described the memoir as a product of friendship, fellowship and comradeship, while the gathering brought together members of his family, former students, colleagues and associates to celebrate his decades of contribution to journalism, scholarship and public discourse.

The presentation highlighted Amuta’s enduring influence as a journalist, writer and intellectual whose career has spanned several decades of Nigeria’s national development.