Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, Akume, others celebrate Osoba at 85
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday led numerous other Nigerians 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 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.
He said that Osoba’s respect for other citizens stood him out.
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.
