By George George Idowu
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has praised Azu Ishiekwene, the Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Leadership Media Group, for his new book, “Writing for Media and Monetising It.”
Speaking at the book’s launch in Abuja on Wednesday, Alhaji Idris described the 280-page work, published by Premium Times Books, as a classic that addresses the gap between media practice and entrepreneurship.
The book, which includes 15 chapters and informative epilogues, explores various disruptions in media practice and their impact on media professionals’ livelihoods.
He highlighted the significance of the book for journalists, both current and aspiring, and commended Ishiekwene for his contributions during this transitional period for the media industry.
The minister appreciated the effort of bringing together prominent figures from the Nigerian media for the book launch.
In his words: “I would like to thank Azu and his publishers, Premium Times Books, for the honour. I will start by highlighting two significant things Azu has accomplished with regard to this book.
Related Posts
“First is the very act of writing the book, taking the time to pen something that is destined to become an industry classic. A very valuable book that, as I have previously noted, seeks to close the critical gap between practice and entrepreneurship in the media industry. Also, a book that will benefit a very wide range of readers, young and old, freelance or full-time.
“The second significant thing Azu has done is assembling, for the launch of the book, this stellar gathering of Nigerian media’s who’s who: veterans, publishers, media entrepreneurs, editors, academics, as well as the next generation,” he added.
Similarly, the Chief Operating Officer of PREMIUM TIMES Group, Musikilu Mojeed, provided an overview of the publishing history of Premium Times Books and the meticulous work involved in Ishiekwene’s latest publication.
He said: “Our very first book, Naija No Dey Carry Last, by the late distinguished Professor Pius Adesanmi, satisfied the three mission items and set the tone for future books. May Prof Adesanmi’s soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
“So far, each title we have published taps into critical national debates and brings fresh perspectives on subjects of nationwide concern. From Quranic Schools in Northern Nigeria – which focused on the Almajirai problem – through the Boko Haram Trilogy to Cyber Politics by Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, Premium Times Books has not shied away from the heavy-hitting topics dominating national conversations.
Still speaking: “Each title in The Boko Haram Trilogy – Sects & Social Disorder, Creed & Grievance and Overcoming Boko Haram – has been individually and respectively praised for providing a unique insight into Muslim-Muslim conflict, Muslim-Christian conflict and the cross-border dimension of the insurgency in northern Nigeria. Together, they are renowned for their magisterial dissection of the sectarian religious crises in Nigeria, on account of which they are widely recommended for policymakers and other change agents.
He explained: “We later took on the challenge of producing the Nigerian edition of The Sokoto Caliphate because the book touches on debates about Nigerian nationhood and constitutional review. After that, we published The Letterman: Inside the Secret Letters of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, which was well received, widely praised, and described as a classic by many.”
He assured the public that its organization is committed to publishing thought-provoking books that will inform and engage the public on critical national issues.
The event was attended by media experts, government officials, and members of the business community.
