The creme de la creme in Nigeria led by President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined well wishers on 13 July 2024 to celebrate veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who attained 85 years of age.
Osoba launched his latest book – My Life in the Public Eye – at the birthday anniversary, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the event also attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also attracted former and serving ministers, about 25 senators, traditional rulers and many other dignitaries.
In his address read by his Deputy, Tinubu described Osoba as a notable figure who excelled in various fields including journalism and politics.
The president said that Osoba was committed to Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
Tinubu hailed Osoba for documenting his life experiences in My Life in the Public Eye, saying that it would inspire younger people.
He charged leaders to emulate the former governor and write books to guide those coming behind.
He also urged Nigerians to be united in the country’s quest to overcome its challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Osoba as a great mentor, whose friendship cut across the states of the federation.
Akume said that Osoba remained a great adviser and was committed to Nigeria’s democratic development
Abiodun described Osoba as a brave and accomplished journalist, astute administrator and politician whose contributions would continue to inspire younger ones.
Abiodun said that Osoba changed the narrative of rural-urban migration in Ogun through community development.
He added that Osoba had remained consistent, disciplined and transparent.
On his part, Former Gov. James Ibori of Delta said that Osoba was wise, experienced and had deep knowledge of Nigeria.
Ibori also said that Osoba was always willing to give good counsel.
Lagos Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed to Osoba and his generation of journalists to help the younger ones in terms of public commentary.
Sanwo-Olu said that there was need for constructive public commentary, regretting that destructive public commentary was negatively affecting national development.
“Say it when it is right,” he told commentators.
Ninety-one-year-old former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said that Osoba had a distinguished journalism career.
Anyaoku said that Osoba helped to shape Daily Times of Nigeria as a must-read in the past.
Business mogul Aliko Dangote described the former governor as a long-time friend and confident.
He added that Osoba was a man of integrity and transparency.
Dangote thanked Osoba for giving him approval to build a cement factory in Ogun when he was the governor
He said that the factory had grown tremendously.
Mr Lanre Idowu, the Editor-in-Chief of the Diamond Publications Ltd., the Publisher of My Life in the Public Eye, said that the book was a follow-up to Osoba’s celebrated 2019 memoir, “Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics
Idowu said that the book featured some of Osoba’s historic reflections on issues of public interest since 2019.
He said that Osoba told the story essentially through the eyes of some leading public intellectuals such as Ray Ekpu, Reuben Abati, Abdu Rafiu, Bisi Olawunmi, Yakubu Mohammed and Louis Odion.
Responding, Osoba expressed gratitude to Tinubu for huge support. He expressed hope that his administration would overcome Nigeria’s challenges and put the country on a stronger pedestal.
“There will be a great dawn and light after the challenges,” he said.
For the rest of his life he disclosed to spend more time with his grandchildren as his journalism profession had been keeping him from home .
‘I have resolved to dedicate rest of my life to my grandchildren, because as a practicing reporter then I don’t have time to stay at home with my family and children, so at my age now, I am going to dedicate my time for the grandchildren to make up my inability to do that for my children’, Osoba declared
Chief Osoba recalled how he cheated death during late Sanni Abacha dictatorship rule when Sergeant Roger was pursuing him, It was my brother-in-law, that provided hidden abode for me”
He said said he would remain grateful to his brother in-law and all those who supported him by saving his life during the turbulent days of Abacha’s administration, and also gave thanks to God
Osoba said he was overwhelmed by the turn out of guests for the ceremony, and commended the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for the well packaged book launch and birthday.
The book he explained featured some of his historic reflections on issues of public interest since 2019, and also documents salient public reactions to his 2019 memoir, ‘Battlelines’, while his publishers had described his life in the public eye as a legacy work and handy measurement of his politics and person.
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