By Abigail Philip David
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was among the distinguished guests at the launch of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest novel, Dream Count, held over the weekend at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
The novel, released on March 3, 2025, explores the lives and aspirations of four women. Obi noted that the event attracted approximately 3,000 attendees and featured an engaging conversation between Adichie and journalist Elizabeth Day.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi shared details of his trip, mentioning that he arrived in London on Sunday, March 2, via Air Peace business class—his usual preference for long-haul flights when immediate engagements are scheduled.
He described the book launch as more than just a literary event, emphasizing its significance in highlighting Nigeria’s need to invest in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation—key factors of the Human Development Index (HDI).
“The event was not only a celebration of literary excellence but also a reflection of the immense potential Nigeria holds if we focus on critical areas of development,” Obi stated.
Earlier in the day, Obi had traveled to Cambridge for discussions with development experts before returning to London for the book launch. Reflecting on both engagements, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stressing the importance of youth energy, collective commitment, and effective governance in driving national progress.
“With the brilliance of our youth, a shared vision, and good leadership, the dream of a better Nigeria is within reach,” he affirmed.
