Dr. Lukulay shares his life’s journey Stories in “The Executive in You,”

By ADA DIKE

This saying: “Everyone needs a helping hand to stand tall,” by Dr. Lukulay summarises his new book, “The Executive In You”.

It was an inspiring event at the presentation of a book written by Dr. Patrick Lukulay at the MUSON Centre, Lagos last week Thursday, March 27, 2014.

The reviewer of “The Executive in You,” founder of LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli, MFR, pointed key things from Lukulay’s book – education and strong support system. She revealed that the 114-page-book with 10 chapters “is a captivating and inspiring true story of Dr. Patrick Lukulay, a man who refused to be deterred by his humble beginnings.”

Lukulay said three reasons why he wrote the book were: he wanted to thank those who have touched his life, to inspire others that their humble beginnings do not dictate the pace of others and to share all the cultural adaptation he had to go through as an African American in the United States of America.

He revealed why he (a Serra Leonean) decided to launch the book in Nigeria by saying that he has a Nigerian mother - the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Dr. Stella Okoli, OON.  “I stand before you with great emotion, great passion and great attitude for the warm welcome I have received from Nigeria. I am grateful on behalf of the Serra Leoneans for the common history we share with Nigeria. Both countries have gone through civil war but the difference is that we had a helping hand from a big brother – Nigeria. Serra Leon is eternally grateful to Nigeria. I am happy that the civil war ended 15 years ago and today, we focus on rehabilitation,” said Lukulay.

People may wonder why he wrote a book since he does not have enough time on his hands. The former student of the Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone explains, “I had to put my life in a paper so that others will learn. This book is my story of how others helped to bring out those qualities in me. I want to let young people understand that their humble beginning cannot dictate the end of their journey.”

Born into a polygamous home of 26 children and eight wives in Sierra Leone, Lukulay, through one of his brothers migrated to a city where his life changed from what it used to be.

The book was launched by the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhi, who said the book summarised Lukulay’s life and achievements. “As we celebrate him today, we have to look back, visit the schools we graduated from and look after the children in that school.”

Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Nigeria, Henry Macaulay, was represented by Mr. James L.  who appreciated Nigeria for standing by Sierra Leone through thick and thin. “We are far in map but closer in relationship, blood and a lot of things. We are looking forward to seeing meaningful Nigerians go to Serra Leone and invest to enable the country regain its full glory.”

Notable individuals attended the event and they were: Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr. Stella Okoli, OON, Prof. Pat Utomi, Justice Rose Ukeje, Chief Mrs. Kemi Davies and many other dignitaries.