The Laterna Book Club hosted its Book Review of the Month, a thought-provoking literary session featuring in-depth reviews and engaging conversations around two significant works of contemporary Nigerian non-fiction.
The event took place on Thursday, 12th February 2026, at Victoria Island, Lagos, and brought together writers, readers, intellectuals, and policy enthusiasts for an evening of ideas, reflection, and discourse.
Moderated by Moyin Ezekiel, an award-winning Nigerian writer and filmmaker known for her incisive storytelling and cultural commentary. The session featured distinguished authors and reviewers Dr Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, whose works interrogate leadership, governance, politics, and society in Nigeria and beyond.
Featured Books
PORTRAITS: People, Politics and Society by Reuben Abati
Spanning 642 pages, Portraits showcases the multidisciplinary virtuosity of Reuben Abati, whose intellectual presence has shaped Nigerian public discourse for nearly four decades. The collection serves as both a critical reflection on society and a roll-call of many of the consequential figures—nationally and globally—who have defined politics, governance, and culture over the last forty years. It is a compelling blend of history, commentary, and literary insight.
Encounters: Governance, Policy, & Society by Kikelomo Atanda-Owo
In her third book, Atanda-Owo presents a rich collection of conversations with some of Nigeria’s most influential voices, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Allen Onyema, Reuben Abati, Chude Jideonwo, Babajide Otitoju, Azubike Osumili, and Aand Juri Ngelale, among others.
Encounters captures the essence of leadership, policy formulation, and societal change, offering readers a rare, first-hand perspective on Nigeria’s governance landscape and future possibilities.
The book draws strength from the author’s extensive professional background in media, communications, and strategic engagement.
About the Authors
Dr Reuben Abati is a distinguished writer, journalist, and public intellectual. He served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and previously as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspapers. A former university lecturer in drama and literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Abati remains a leading commentator on national and international affairs. He is currently the co-anchor of The Morning Show and anchor of ThisDay Live on ARISE TV.
Kikelomo Atanda-Owo is the Chief Executive Officer of Z-Edge Limited, a firm providing corporate and management training, event management, procurement, and integrated marketing communications services. She was named among the Top 15 Most Powerful Women Journalists in Nigeria by WiJAfrica in both 2023 and 2024. With a bachelor’s degree in Communications, an MSc from Kingston University, and an MBA from the University of South Wales, she is widely recognised as a trailblazer in media, communications, and strategic consultancy.
About Laterna Book Club
The Laterna Book Club is a literary and cultural platform dedicated to promoting reading, critical thinking, and meaningful conversations around books that shape society. Its monthly book review sessions provide a welcoming space for authors, readers, and thinkers to engage ideas that matter.
The February Book Review of the Month promises an evening of rigorous thought, intellectual exchange, and cultural enrichment.
