Jonathan, IBB, others eulogise him

by CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

LAGOS — YESTERDAY was a special day for the Nigerian media community. Eminent Nigerians from all over the country  including President Goodluck Jonathan, former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), Chief Ernest Shonekan and General Abdulsalam Abubakar, among others, converged on Lagos to honour a media legend, one of the best journalists the country has ever produced and two-time governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

The Shell Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan, literally became astir as speaker after speaker eulogised Osoba’s achievements when he bestrode the Fourth Estate of the Realm like a colossus, leaving an avalanche of attributes worthy of emulation.

From left: Mr. Dimgba Igwe, Autor of the Book, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Former Governor of Ogun State; Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Mrs. Derinsola Osoba, at the book launch of 'Osoba: The Newspaper Years' by Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

The ceremony, the public presentation of the book, Osoba: The Newspaper Years, written by Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe, attracted the who’s who in the media community, state governors, federal legislators, party leaders, media moguls and politicians, who urged journalists to follow the Osoba example in the quest to enthrone an egalitarian society.

The roll call

Notable dignitaries at the gathering included former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who was represented by Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor; Governor of Delta State and chief sponsor of the event, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who was represented by Special Adviser on Communication, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin; and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (represented by the Commissioner for Education, Remi Olatubora); Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello); and Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

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Chaired by Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua, also present at the event were former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola  Tinubu; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande; Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief Alex Akinyele,  Chief Philip Asiodu and Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

Reviewed by the Chairman of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, media moguls, who graced the ceremony included Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Prince  Tony Momoh; Prince Henry Odukomaiya; Alhaji Alade Odunewu; Publisher of Vanguard newspaper titles, Mr. Sam Amuka; Publisher of ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; Mrs Bisi Abiola, Dr. Doyin Abiola, Professor Idowu Sobowale, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Chairman, Daar Communication, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru; and Malam Mohammed Haruna.

Also present were former Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, who represented Senate President, Senator David Mark; Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime (represented by Dr Maureen Onyia); Senator Babafemi Ojodu; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (represented by the former Head of Civil Service, Professor Oladapo Afolabi); Chief Chris Ogunbajo and Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun.

Knack for scoops

The biographical