Ogheneruona Tejiri, Benin City
Intellectuals, writers, government officials, students and lovers of books converged on the newly unveiled DeeMoat Hub in Benin City for the inaugural edition of DeeMoat Books & Ideas programme, a visionary platform created to promote knowledge, creativity, enterprise and intellectual engagement.
The Hub, founded by Rev. David Ugolor , renowned development expert and activist was described by Onome Tovia Ugolor Esq, its Programme Lead, as a product of a simple but powerful conviction — that communities only grow when people have access to knowledge, opportunities and spaces where ideas can be freely exchanged.
She said that DeeMoat Hub was conceived as a centre for learning, innovation, enterprise, creativity and meaningful engagement, with special focus on young people who are navigating an increasingly complex world.
She added, “this gathering is more than a book presentation. It is the beginning of a community — a community of readers, writers, thinkers, innovators and citizens who believe in the power of ideas to inspire action and advance the common good”.
The maiden edition featured celebrated Nigerian writer and publisher, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, who presented his new non-fiction book “The Challengers” — a compelling narrative that chronicles the audacity, ambition and enterprise of a generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs who dared to defy obstacles and create a new business culture now being replicated by fintechs and startups.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Deputy Governor of Edo State commended the vision behind DeeMoat Hub, he described it as a timely hub for innovation, knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer.
Rt. Hon. Idahosa who was represented by Hon. Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff said that the initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration to reposition Edo State as a knowledge- driven State.
According to Rt. Hon. Idahosa, “we should acquire knowledge for productivity, for the transformation of society, for innovation, and for achieving societal goals. Any society that rejects knowledge rejects growth”.
He pledged the support of the Edo State Government to the Hub, noting that platforms like DeeMoat are what the state needs to mould the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and thinkers.
Also speaking, Enodomwanyi Otamere, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education lauded the Hub as a research centre and intellectual sanctuary, lamenting that the internet has taken young minds away from reading.
He urged youths to return to books, stressing that “if you want to hide something from a Black man, put it inside a book — we must change that narrative.”
He announced that the Ministry would forward “The Challengers” to the Edo State Book Review Committee for possible recommendations for students.
Also speaking, Rev. David Ugolor, Founder, DeeMoat Hub said that “Moat” in Benin culture signifies security, and that the Hub was established in an increasingly insecure world where lack of knowledge fuels insecurity.
Drawing from his three decades of experience in the NGO sector, Rev. Ugolor said that the Hub will provide mentorship and an enabling environment for young people to express themselves.
Dr. Imasuen, in his presentation, noted “First, we fought for freedom. Then we fought for democracy. Now, we are fighting for economic freedom. This book is not a business formula, but a true story to observe, reflect and draw lessons from.”
High point of the ceremony was the official launch and purchase of “The Challengers” by guests.
The organisers assured that subsequent editions will feature more Nigerian and African writers as DeeMoat Hub expands into a vibrant and enduring platform for intellectual and cultural engagement.
