Nigerian High Commissioner in Accra, Senator Musiliu Mohammed Obanikoro, has called for the celebration of the life of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah among all Africans, not just Ghanaians. He said Dr Nkrumah’s vision and ideas influenced lives across Africa and Africans in the Diaspora, hence the need for the celebration of his life throughout the world. Speaking at the launch of a book entitled Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah; the Legend of African Nationalism in Accra last Thursday, Senator Obanikoro described the late President as the hero of African liberation. The author of the book, Prof. Martin Okany, said he had been inspired !o write the book because of the great virtues he found in Dr Nkrumah; as well as his vision and ideas. He said although Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was dead, Africans could draw inspiration from his words; "As far as I am concerned, I am happy in the knowledge that not even death can extinguish the torch which I have lit in Ghana and Africa. Long after I am dead and gone, it would continue to bum, giving light and guidance to all the people". Prof. Okany said the history of modem Africa could not be conclusively written without the immense contribution of Dr Nkrumah. He said Dr Nkrumah manifested the pride and dignity of the Black man everywhere and was a catalytic force that set in motion ripples that had reshaped the political history of Africa. In his words, "Dr Nkrumah was a revolutionary genius and a political volcano who encouraged national liberation and anti-colonialist movements across Africa". A senior lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr Ansa Kumi-Koi, described the book as an encyclopaedia. He said it gave an account of the independence of Ghana and summed up the books that Dr Nkrumah had written himself. He said it was not just a history book but also offered valuable material about the present and the 21st century. He suggested that in subsequent publications an index should be included in the book for easy reference. A retired diplomat; Mr K.B. Asante, who chaired the event, said the time had come for Africans to liberate their minds. Source: Daily Graphic