Family unveils foundation, book in memory of late veteran journalist, Olu Makinde

The family of the late veteran journalist and music enthusiast, Olutade Makinde, who died on February 15, 2015, has honoured his memory by launching a foundation, a book, and an award in his name.

At the three-in-one event held in Ibadan on Sunday, the son of the late crime and entertainment journalist, Tade Makinde, also a journalist, said there were many feats his father achieved while he was alive which many people do not know about, which was the reason why he decided to write a book about him titled Olu Makinde: Master of His Game.

He said the book and other aspects of his father’s life and memory would soon be adapted into a movie. He sought the support of his late father’s friends and colleagues to make this a reality.

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the host of the event, described the late Makinde as a great entertainer whose advice and support many musicians and entertainers benefited from.

Senator Ojudu stated that the deceased was passionate about his work and believed in the entertainment industry, adding, “I wish he had come at this time of our lives when entertainment has become gold when you can now make billions from YouTube.”

The special guest of honour of the event, a former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, commended Tade Makinde for writing the book to preserve the legacy of his father.

Kwankwaso, represented by the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Wildlife Conservation, Ahmad Sawaba, said that as someone who believes in the power of education in unlocking potential, he was happy that the late Makinde impacted the lives of many entertainers and people through journalism and other forms of artistic endeavours.

The chairman of the planning committee of the event, Ambassador Dr Yemi Farounbi, stressed that although Olutade Makinde might be dead, he lives on in the hearts of his friends and loved ones who gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines commended the son of the late journalist for writing the book and recommended it to everyone.

The book reviewer, Dr Emmanuel Jimo, described the book as a photo studio, memorabilia, a testimonial, and a biography of a fulfilled music lover and entertainment journalist.

According to Jimo, Olu Makinde: Master of His Game is not a random book but “a treasure, a thriller, and a movie on paper.”

The chief launcher, Dr Idris Badmus, said the book was about what the late journalist meant to the profession and the industry he loved.

The mother of the day, the chairperson of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Princess Aderonke Adedoja, and other personalities delivered goodwill messages.

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