soft ajekpako

A little while ago, my brother @pokigbo invited me to join a small book club of select people. Every month, we read a topical book, meet at his lovely home, discuss the book for two hours, and then enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared by his beautiful, intelligent wife. Last Saturday, we met in his home to discuss the book ‘How China Escaped The Poverty Trap’ by Yuen Yuen Ang. Remarkably, we were joined online by the author herself and in person by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria who shared his lived, empirical experiences of China’s transformation. I actually gave up watching a crucial Arsenal match and braved the Abuja rain to join. 😀 What I found most remarkable about the book was how China used what it already had, including imperfect institutions, to lift their people out of poverty. They did not wait until they had “strong institutions” or to eliminate corruption, before they led their people to prosperity. It was growth and economic prosperity that led to stronger institutions, not the other way round. They used what could be called ‘Directed Improvisation’ where Beijing set out a vision and then allowed the provinces to innovate and compete among each other. Anything that worked in one province was encouraged and replicated elsewhere. It was humbling that cities like Shenzen alone had double the GDP of Nigeria! And there weee many more cities! It was a refreshing break from the mud pit that Twitter can be. And no, you cannot join because he carefully curated who he invited, and each participant brought a particular perspective that complemented others'. From policy makers to academics to senior government officials (current and former) to young men and women. Although you can’t join this particular book club, you can start your own book club, since I’ve shared his template with you. 😀 I look forward to next month’s book, the informed discussions and intellectual sword crossings, and the lovely dinner and good wine. 😀

When Adaora Umeoji stepped in, expectations were high. She promised results and delivered ₦1 trillion profit. It’s okay to sa Zenith is Nigeria’s most profitable bank. #ZenithBank