All roads led to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, April 23 as award winning journalist and publisher, Shola Oshunkeye celebrated his 70th birthday with a colloquium and book launch.
The glamorous birthday party attracted dignitaries including media icons, legal luminaries, seasoned bankers, medical doctors, architects, politicians, civil society leaders and traditional rulers.
The event featured the presentation of Oshunkeye’s memoir, Byline and Backbone, and a lecture titled ‘The Decline of Human Interest Journalism’ delivered by journalist turned-politician, Chief Dele Momodu.
Veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba chaired the occasion while Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup was represented by the Odole of Ijesaland, Chief Morakinyo Afolabi. The Orangun of Oke lla, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Omowumi Abolarin (Aroyinkeye 1) was also in attendance as a Royal Father of the Day, with Are Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, lba Gani Adams attending as Guest of Honour.
Compered by Azuh Arinze, the event witnessed Ms Funmi Oti as the Chief Presenter of Oshunkeye’s memoir. While Femi Adesina, former presidential spokesman, delivered the opening remarks, Lasisi Olagunju, Editor, Saturday Tribune reviewed the book.
Notable media personalities at the event include Oshunkeye’s journalism mentor, Mike Awoyinfa; Nosa Igiebor, Dare Babarinsa, Gbenga Adefaye, Funke Egbemode, Kayode Komolafe, Mayor Akinpelu, Seye Kehinde, Tony Onyinma, Richard Akinnola, Folu Olamiti, Taiwo Obe and Lanre Arogundade.
Others were Muyiwa Akintunde, Tosin Ajirire, Wale Alabi, Akeem Lasisi, Kazeem Akintunde, Iheanacho Nwosu, Tope Akinboboye, Nath Osewele, Dipo Kehinde, Olumide Iyanda, Boye Ola, Semiu Okanlawon, Temitope Ajayi and Ola Agbaje.
Also present were Oshunkeye’s secondary schoolmates led by Prof. Abel ldowu Olayinka, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan; Anikeade Funke Treasure, Titilayo Balogun, Wale Sanyaolu, Tessy Igomu, Christy Anyanwu and Vivian Onyebukwa.
The celebrant’s family members were conspicuously present, including his wife, Mrs. Felicia Folorunsho Oshunkeye and son, Tope Oshunkeye amongst others.
70 Gbosas in Photos
- Photos: Omoniyi Ayedun (Sims Studios)