Former Minister of Health and current President, Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi has lauded Professor Udoma Mendie as a multifaceted individual. Quoting Francis Baron, “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi celebrated Prof. Mendie’s embodiment of all three qualities: research, conference participation, and book authorship.
Chairing the Epic Book launch organized by the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi discussed the symbolism of water in life transformation and rejuvenation. He also acknowledged Mrs. Mfon Mendie, the author’s wife, and praised Prof. Mendie’s fashion-conscious sensibilities.
Impressed by the books, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi encouraged everyone to read both of them. He quoted Francis Baker, stating that some books are to be tasted, some swallowed, and a few chewed and digested. According to Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi, Prof. Mendie’s two books fell into the latter category.
The first book, titled “The Living Water of Wellness,” was reviewed by Prof. Ezechiel Longe of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos. Prof. Longe highlighted that the book comprised 15 chapters and 342 pages, covering topics related to types, sources, treatment, and distribution of life waters. He appreciated Prof. Mendie’s unique perspective, especially considering his background in pharmacy and microbiology.
Prof. Longe recommended that the chapters should be re-arranged in subsequent editions. Specifically, he suggested the placing of chapters 5 and 10 after chapter 13 which concludes the discussion on water treatment processes.
He noted that the book had a spiritual angle, and commended the author for aligning the concept of “Living water” with its physical sense: a flowy and fresh water source resembling life. His words, “The book is easy to read and understand and the writing style is simple. It is good for students, biomedical students, water quality analysts and regulators and all those who know that water is a factor of life”.
Reviewing the second book, “Think Wellness, Act Rightly to Get Richer”, CEO/Country Director of Business School Netherlands International, Prof. Lere Baale likened Prof. Mendie to “Imhotep,” the revered Egyptian architect, physician, and statesman considered the god of medicine in both Egypt and Greece (2667-2600 BCE). He described Prof. Mendie as a quintessential polymath and philosopher with a deep analytical mind.
According to him, the book contained “429 pages of intelligence, inspiration and passion generously shared to keep one at peace with our maker while maximizing our potential”. With 28 chapters, Professor Baale noted that the book underscored the idea that life is inherently simple, but perception often complicates it needlessly.
Prof. Baale described the book as a “stimulating read, suitable for adolescents, students and teachers. It is good for inspiration, transformation and empowering generations.”
The book launch in celebration of forty years in academia and meritorious scholarship, also featured video presentations; as well as goodwill messages from the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. David Oke; Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Gloria Ayoola, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Ministries, Dr. D. K. Olukoya ably represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Mountaintop University, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi and well-wishers, and brief remarks from the author, Prof. Udoma Mendie.
The books were launched by dignitaries from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, former students and mentees of the author, tribesmen, and policymakers in the country.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Joshua Micheal
