A fresh collection of essays on Nigeria’s governance and development challenges, Beneath the Surface by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has drawn high-profile endorsements from leading figures in religion, academia, and public service.
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The book, which explores the country’s democratic journey, policy failures, and prospects for reform, has been described as a timely contribution to Nigeria’s intellectual and political discourse. Among those who have commended the work are Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Professor Emeritus Anya O. Anya, and Professor Kyari Mohammed.
Bishop Kukah, who is widely respected for his writings on religion, politics, and civil society, hailed Peterside’s essays as “a kaleidoscope of exciting and alluring themes” that offer a fresh lens into Nigeria’s future.
Dr. Fayemi, a former governor and scholar of war studies, said the volume showcases Peterside’s ability to merge political engagement with intellectual rigor. He described the essays as an opportunity to learn from Peterside’s “fertile mind” about Nigeria’s flaws and its possibilities.
Professor Anya, a national merit award laureate and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, praised the work as both “intellectually challenging and easy to read,” noting that it compels readers to reflect on why Nigeria underperforms despite its abundant talent and resources.
On his part, Professor Kyari Mohammed, former Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, lauded the book’s balanced approach, observing that it avoids lamentation while charting pathways for national progress. He recommended it as essential reading for policymakers and the wider public.
Beneath the Surface compiles Peterside’s most impactful essays, blending storytelling with policy analysis. It delves into the roots of Nigeria’s recurring governance issues while proposing reforms anchored in accountability, institutional renewal, and human capital development.
