Tinubu, govs, ministers, Dangote, others in Lagos to celebrate Osoba at 85

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, led by the Chairman, Southern Governor’s Forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; former governors, ministers, traditional rulers, captains of industries, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among other dignitaries, on Saturday converged in Lagos to celebrate Aremo Segun Osoba, who clocked 85, describing the celebrant as a notable figure, a man of integrity, wisdom and very respectful person, whose ideals, including his commitment to Nigeria’s diversity should be emulated.

Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State, equally used the occasion to launch his new book, titled: “Segun Osoba: “My Life In The Public Eye,” at an event which took place at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

President Tinubu expressed delight to be part of the occasion, describing Aremo Osoba as a notable figure in Nigeria who had excelled in various fields, including journalism, saying that his contributions to politics were remarkable.

The president, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said the celebrant as governor of Ogun State, who served two terms, left a lasting impact on the life of his people, even as he noted the key role he played as a leading figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), while he fought for democracy alongside others.

Tinubu affirmed that the former Ogun State governor remained a source of inspiration for generations to come, saying that “if Osoba achieved his goals 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 his example and write books to share their experiences and provide guidance for future generations. As we celebrate Osoba’s birthday, I am grateful that he has remained healthy and hearty.

“I will like to highlight one important aspect of his life, his commitment to Nigeria’s diversity and unity. This is a vital lesson for our nation, particularly during these challenging times,” the president said.

Speaking further, President Tinubu tasked Nigerians on the need to remember that unity and cooperation were essential in his administration’s work to overcome the current challenges facing the country, assuring that the government led by him was taking steps to address food shortages by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items.

Besides, he further assured that his administration would continue to drive local production and ensure that the country produced “what we eat and use locally.”

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his address, said the occasion, was to say congratulations to Osoba at 85 for putting his thoughts together as published, saying that it was equally “to recognise a man that has been honoured by God.”

Akpabio described the former governor as a very respectful personality, saying that the book was timely and would help shape the nation, even as he prayed God would continue to keep him alive with his Renewed Hope and that the country wouldn’t be betrayed.

“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 and the younger generation. We came in our large number to show you honour.

“There is something no one may have told you, you are very respectful. Every time you are with President Bola Tinubu, you show him respect. You do not care if you are older than him. God will continue to keep you alive. We want you to have another decade.

“Today, with your classmate in Nigeria, Tinubu, becoming the President of Nigeria, I am sure you are delighted to see his Renewed Hope for this country. And I am sure your hope won’t be betrayed. The book is timely and will help sharpen the nation. May your words continue to enlighten and your actions continue to inspire,” the Senate president stated.

Also speaking, Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, quickly recalled that Osoba, whom he had admired for many years and referred to as his mate had a very distinguished journalistic career, saying that the celebrant helped to shape Daily Times to become one of the most wildly read newspapers in the country.

Anyaoku prayed that looked forward to Osoba celebrating 90 years, hoping that “he will give us another book.”

“I have not read his second book, but I read the first one which you wouldn’t want to put down when you start reading,” he said.

Governor Abiodun said the gathering was meant to celebrate a towering figure, describing the celebrant as his “leader, mentor and a man I fondly call my dad.”

Abiodun noted that Aremo Osoba’s immense contributions to journalism in Nigeria would continue to be a reference point in contemporary Nigeria political history, especially during the dark days of the military, recalling that his bravery in the journalism field led to the discovery of the bodies of the late Prime Minister, Tafawa Belo and the Minister of Finance, Sir Okotie Eboh after they were massacred in Nigeria’s first military coup.

The governor said that there was no honour befitting a man of Osoba’s status than documenting the story of his life and achievements together, declaring that his contributions to the evolution and stability of democracy in Nigeria would remain evergreen.

“This book launch is a noteworthy celebration of an icon and an illustrious celebration of our dear state and we are pleased with him. His contributions to development, stability and progress of Nigeria and Ogun State are etched in our history and will continue to inspire us all,” he said.

“During his tenure as governor, he exemplified unwavering dedication and integrity and a profound commitment,” he added.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed the celebrant for his immense contributions to the journalism profession, bless you and as you have consistently done well with his writings about the affairs of this country.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, tasked Osoba to counsel the younger generation about the implications of fake news, noting sadly that Lagos should have been rated well by an international body but got poorly rated due to poor public commentaries about the state.

“As we all know your about our nation, your generation needs to help new generation about the implications of fake news and condemnations all the time of the government, it portrays in bad light to the outside world,” he said.

He also prayed for God’s continued blessing for Aremo Osoba, while wishing him a happy birthday celebration.

Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who is also former Minister of Works, in his remark, said it was an honour for him to be at the occasion to felicitate the celebrant, whom he described as “an insider of the Fashola family.”

Fashola expressed delight in reading the first book by Osoba titled: “Battlelines,” which he obtained a copy of years ago, saying that the book spoke eminently to the personality of the author.

“One of the reasons I decided that today I would leave everything and be at this occasion 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,” he said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, also eulogised the former Ogun State governor, recalling that fate brought him and others together in 1999.

According to him, Osoba and other colleagues from the southwest were looking at the larger development, saying he connected very well with all of his colleagues irrespective of age or record and always offered candid advice on all occasions.

“He always offered candid advice at all occasions. We respected him because he was very sincere. We respected the views of our South-West colleagues because we understood they meant well for the good of the country.

“There is so much we can learn from Osoba’s integrity. As we celebrate this fine and extraordinary Nigerian to buy many copies of this wonderful book. Read it for the honour of Osoba and our country, Nigeria,” he stated.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, equally described Aremo Osoba as a man of integrity, and very transparent, recalling his intervention when he wanted to build a cement plant in Ogun State.

Dangote revealed how close he was to Osoba, saying that he always consulted 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 85 would have been one of the bad things and that’s why I had to come back last night from Abuja,” he said.

Also speaking, Chief Kensington Adebutu, described the former governor as a gentleman and very humble person, noting that “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,” he said.

Responding, Osoba expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, sitting and former governors, ministers, and dignitaries present at the event, even as he particularly thanked Tinubu for the honour he gave him and the vice president, who he said visited him in his London house together with about 18 senators when he had a major operation in London then.

“Mr Vice President, I thank you because you have always exhibited extensive interest and love for me. Same with the Senate President who I call uncommon. You can see what has happened today.

“You have always been respectful to me, even when you were a governor. To my family, they give me the greatest joy in life. And I want to thank my wife, who is very tough and difficult to live with. She says so and I say so. She has been the greatest pillar,” Osoba said.

“To my shock, he and Senator Solomon Olamilekan came with 18 senators to my house in London to commiserate with me. Mr Vice President, I thank you because you have always exhibited extensive interest and love for me.”

My family gives me greatest joy in life – Osoba

The celebrant, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, who thanked the guests, said: “I want to thank the President. When I launched my book in 1980, he was there. Ever since then, the copy of the book is always 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. Now, the Vice President is here, I don’t know how to thank him. When I had a major operation in London; to my shock, he and Senator Solomon Olamilekan came with 18 senators to my house in London to commiserate with me. Mr Vice President, I thank you because you have always exhibited extensive interest and love for me. Same with the Senate President who I call uncommon. You can see what has happened today. You have always been respectful to me, even when you were a governor. When you talk of the Deputy Senate President, where do I start from? He will not only come to me, he comes with an envelope. Like the Yoruba say, when the rabbit becomes old, he lives on the breast of the children. To my family, they give me the greatest joy in life. And I want to thank my wife, who is very tough and difficult to live with. She says so and I say so. She has been the greatest pillar.”

Dignitaries at the event also include: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Senator representing Borno South, Alli Ndume; former Governors of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo and former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Adesegun.

Others are: Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro; Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Sam Amuka; Publisher of Guardian newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru; Founder of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; Chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Ayo Opadokun; Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, among others.

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