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, over the weekend at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
The novel, released on Monday, March 3, 2025, explores the lives, loves, and longings of four women. According to Obi, the event attracted about 3,000 attendees, with an engaging discussion between Adichie and journalist Elizabeth Day.Obi shared details of his trip on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, revealing that he arrived in London on Sunday, March 2, via Air Peace business class, as part of his routine for long-haul flights, especially when immediate engagements await.
Reflecting on the day, Obi described Adichie’s event as more than just a literary celebration, emphasising that it highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, key pillars of the Human Development Index
He wrote, “I arrived in London, United Kingdom safely on Sunday, the 2nd of March morning for a busy schedule. I made the trip via Air Peace business class, as is my policy when embarking on long-haul flights, particularly when I have to start work immediately upon arrival.
“On arrival, I proceeded to Cambridge for scheduled meetings with development experts. Our discussions centred on suggested solutions to challenges confronting our nation.
“Coming back to London later in the day, I attended Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s launch of her latest novel, Dream Count, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The event attracted about 3,000 attendees.
“Her conversation with journalist and author Elizabeth Day was insightful, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout the event.
“The event was not only a celebration of literary excellence but, more importantly, a testament to the immense potential our beloved nation holds if we invest in the most critical measures of development reflected in the Human Development Index (HDI): education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty.
“Coupled with my earlier discussions on turning around our struggling nation and the exhilarating performance by #ChimamandaReal, I am convinced that with the energy and brilliance of our youth, a collective commitment, and guidance through good governance, the dream of a better Nigeria is within reach. I remain confident that all hope is not lost. A new Nigeria is Possible!”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
