Prominent figures in Nigeria’s media and public space, including former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, gathered in Lagos on Thursday April 23 to celebrate veteran journalist, Chief Shola Oshunkeye, as he marked his 70th birthday. Oshunkeye clocked 70 on April 20.
The event, held at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, brought together the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams; spokesman to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina; and other leading journalists.
Oshunkeye, an award-winning journalist, has spent close to four decades in the profession. He previously served as MD/CEO of Sun Newspaper (Ghana) and is currently the President/CEO of Crest Online.
Speaking at the event, Chief Osoba described Oshunkeye as a rare breed in journalism, noting that he put aside other engagements to honour him.
“Shola is a man I respect deeply for his contribution to journalism. He is a star in our profession,” Osoba said, adding, “I am 87. He would have been my first son if I had started early. By God’s grace, I will be here when he turns 80, because I am not planning to leave until I am 100.”
Also speaking, Chief Gani Adams described Oshunkeye as a humble professional whose impact on journalism is remarkable, while asp saying that only God can reward his labour.
Mr Adesina, on his part, recalled their long-standing relationship, describing the celebrant as a dependable friend and expressing hope that he would celebrate many more years in good health.
Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Aare Dele Momodu, described Oshunkeye as an icon of the profession and urged journalists to put a human face to their reporting.
He said journalists must build a culture that not only informs but also reflects human experience, noting that the celebrant’s life “reminds us that the greatest stories are not only written but lived.”
The event featured a colloquium titled “The Decline of Human-Interest Journalism in Nigeria,” anchored by Mrs Funke Egbemode, with Mr Richard Akinnola, Mr Dotun Ladipo, Mr Mayor Akinpelu and Mr Seye Kehinde as panellists.
A book authored by the celebrant, Lifetime of Big Stories, was reviewed by the Editor of Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, followed by its official launch, chaired by Funke Otti, founder of Naira Point Finance Limited.
Dignitaries at the event, including senior journalists, government officials and corporate leaders, paid glowing tributes to Oshunkeye.
The Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, who was the royal father of the day, was represented by veteran journalist, Mrs Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo