LAGOS – The Laterna Book Club hosted its February Book Review of the Month on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at Victoria Island, Lagos, featuring engaging discussions on two notable works of contemporary Nigerian non-fiction.

Moderated by award-winning writer and filmmaker Moyin Ezekiel, the session featured Dr Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, whose books examine leadership, governance and society.

Abati’s Portraits, a 642-page collection, reflects on four decades of Nigerian and global politics, culture and public life, blending commentary, history and literary insight.

Atanda-Owo’s Encounters: Governance, Policy & Society presents conversations with prominent figures including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Allen Onyema and others, offering perspectives on leadership and policy in Nigeria.

Abati, a former presidential spokesman and Chairman of The Guardian Editorial Board, is currently co-anchor of The Morning Show and anchor of ThisDay Live on ARISE TV.

Atanda-Owo, CEO of Z-Edge Limited, is a communications strategist and was named among WiJAfrica’s Top 15 Most Powerful Women Journalists in Nigeria in 2023 and 2024.

Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of documentation, intellectual engagement and informed citizenship in strengthening democratic culture.

Participants also engaged in interactive discussions, raising questions on governance reforms, media responsibility and the future of public leadership in Nigeria.

The Laterna Book Club continues to provide a platform for critical literary engagement, fostering dialogue among writers, policy thinkers and members of the reading public.