Eminent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Ayanoku; Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote among others, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as he marked his 85th birthday anniversary.
The personalities who converged at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, yesterday, for the launch of a book titled: ‘My Life in the Public Eye’, described Osoba as a man who is committed to Nigeria’s unity adding that his life remains an inspiration to many.
The elated celebrant who thanked his guests for identifying with him, announced to them that his family gives him the greatest joy in life.
He said: “I want to thank the President. When I launched my book, he was there. Ever since then, the copy of the book has always been on his table in his office and I wondered why. He told me that he loves the aspect of his journey that we took from Alliance for Democracy, AD, Action Congress, AC, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and All Progressives Congress, APC, that the roles he played were detailed and he reads the book as a way of guidance to him. I want to thank Mr President for giving me that honour.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, represented by his vice, Shettima, commended Osoba for his role in nation-building.
He said: “I am honoured to share in the joy of the public presentation of your book. Chief Osoba, whom I call Aremo 1, is a notable figure in our country, having excelled in various fields including journalism. His contributions to politics have been remarkable. He served as the governor of Ogun State twice and made a lasting impact on his people.
“One of his most notable achievements was his role as a leading figure in NADECO, while he fought for democracy alongside others. We owe him a depth of gratitude for his sacrifices. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him once again for documenting his journey and experiences. His life will be a source of inspiration and hope for generations to come. If Aremo Osoba has achieved his success through hard work, determination and perseverance, then, there is hope for others to do the same. I commend him for giving us two books in quick succession. I urge other leaders to follow Aremo’s example and write books to share their experiences to guide future generations.”
Distinguished journalist
On his part, Anyaoku described the celebrant as a man who distinguished himself in journalism.
He said: “The subject of this surprise is somebody that I have admired for many many years. Osoba, as my mates and I call him, had a very distinguished journalistic career. He helped to shape the Daily Times to become one of the most-read newspapers in the country. I am looking forward to his celebrating 90 years in which case I hope he will give us another book.”
Respectful leader
President of the Senate, Akpabio, in his address, said: “For us in the 10th Senate, we came to recognise a man that has been honoured by God. We came to say congratulations at 85 and congratulations for putting your thoughts together as published. I want to thank you for your friendship. I want to thank you for your prayers for the younger generation. We came in our numbers to show you honour. There is something no one may have told you, you are very respectful.”
Astute administrator
Chairman of the Occasion, Dapo Abiodun, in his speech, described Osoba as a towering figure. “We are gathered to celebrate a towering figure. My leader, mentor and a man I fondly call my dad. His immense contributions to journalism in Nigeria will continue to be a reference point in contemporary Nigeria political history, especially during the dark days of the military. His courage, leadership and deep sense of commitment to community service have earned him several chieftaincy titles. There is no honour befitting a man of Osoba’s status than documenting the story of his life and achievements together. An accomplished journalist, astute administrator and politician, his contributions to the evolution and stability of democracy will remain evergreen.”
Passion, integrity
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Hamzat, said: “I like to wish him a happy birthday. May God continue to be with you, bless you and as you have consistently done well with your writing. As young students in Ibadan then, we know your writing in the Daily Sketch and we know your passion.”
Speaking, Senator George Akume said: “There is so much we can learn from Osoba’s integrity. In 1999, fate brought us all together as governors. From Ogun, we had Osoba. Our colleagues from the South-West were looking at the larger development. They were very alert. All their actions were geared towards defending the integrity of the Constitution.”
Battlelines
Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, said: “One of the reasons I decided that today I would leave everything to be here was because of Battlelines. I got a copy many years ago. It speaks eminently to the personality of Osoba. He is an insider of the Fashola family. It is an honour to be here and felicitate you.”
National issues
Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said: “Osoba is a man of integrity, very transparent. I remember when I wanted to build a cement plant, I went to visit him. When I went there, he had called Perm Secs everybody. He told everybody even when he was told not to support the project. Before I left, he asked what we were going to do. He took us to Ogun State and today we have tonnes of capacity there. I consult him on various national issues. You may not know how close we are, he gave me his son to train and I did that for eight years. For me to miss this 85th birthday celebration would have been one of the bad things and that’s why I had to come back last night from Abuja.”
Godfather
Publisher of Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, on her part, said: “My family is actually part of Aremu’s family. For a fact, he is a godfather to one of my boys. He has been in this relationship with my late husband who passed on some 12 years ago. He has been very dedicated to the family asking after us. I live in Alexander, he lives in Bourdillon. Godspeed in everything you do.”
Humble gentleman
Chairman at Arbico Plc., Chief Kensington Adebutu, noted: “This gentleman is very humble. On several occasions, when we meet at the ceremony, he will lead me to the car. I must say he is a humble gentleman and that is why I take the trouble to be here today. I don’t do so many public ceremonies anymore. I wish you well and many happy returns of the day.”
A diamond
Founder of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, said: So much has been said about Osoba, but I need to say he is connected to the Olufunwas. Osoba is a diamond. He has a gift. He uses his outstanding wisdom to relate with anybody and, like Dangote said, he is extremely wise but very transparent.
The thing about him is this: he has no secret. If you don’t want any matter spoken about, don’t speak about it to Osoba. He has a massive retentive capacity. He remembers time and dates and guides you. He gives support when needed. We enjoy this relationship and we want to thank you for your commitment and decision to be very close.”
Independent assessment
The book’s publisher, Lanre Idowu, noted: “From the title, the legitimate question to ask is if this is another memoir coming five years after Battlelines. What the author has done is to build public response to Battlelines. As his friend, Uncle Sam Amuka, notes in his foreword to this book: ‘The public response to Battlelines demonstrates public preparedness to receive a well told story as apparent in the extensive media attention devoted to his entry into the market and after.
“Osoba, with our help, anticipated his follow-up and has carefully put together in ‘My Life’ how the public perceives him. Not only does he tie back to Battlelines, My Life in the Public Life is an independent assessment of what Battlelines offer. Because Battlelines came back a week to his 80th birthday in 2019, it captures the public perception of who Osoba is and provided insights into not only his person and his politics, but his craft as a journalist and a first time author.
That effort is arguably the first of such in book publishing in our country. It is a helpful pointer to research materials for future writers and scholars who may want to grow more into what the Osoba brand represents. We commend Osoba for his second book. My Life in the Public Eye also represents his second challenge to his peers and all those who have held important positions in Nigeria’s public and private sectors of the need to document their experiences.”
ROLL CALL
The event attracted notable personalities including President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the lawmaker representing Borno South, Alli Ndume; former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; former Governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Adesegun; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku; publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Sam Amuka; publisher of Guardian newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru; Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; founder of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Ayo Opadokun; communication scholar, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba.
(Vanguard)
