‘Book Launch’: It Will Increase the Intellectual Power of Journalism—Veteran Journalists, Lawyers, Politicians, Others Extol Bolaji Kareem’s “Reporter”

Afeez Bello,

Ibadan, Oyo State.

Veteran journalists, legal practitioners, bigwig politicians, traditional rulers, practicing journalists, journalism students, and other eminent personalities have commended the book,”Reporter,” authored by a communication baron and journalism scholar, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, and they described it as a Nigeria’s intellectual powerhouse of journalism.

At the book launch held at No. 2, Simeon Adebo Avenue, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku Quarters, Ibadan in Oyo State on Thursday, February 6, a legal luminary, veteran journalist, and professor of political science, Adeolu Akande, professionally did justice to the lecture titled,”Journalism, Law, and Politics: The Interplay, History, Activities on Human Life.” He highlighted the concept, primary purposes, roles, relationships, and interplays of the three conceptual discourses.

Oyo APC chieftain and the 2027 Oyo North senatorial aspirant, Akande, lauded journalism as a profession of the world and hereafter. He noted that it is the only profession that would survive after the passage of this world, i.e., in heaven and hell, since those in heaven would want to know what’s happening in one part of hell and the other parts, while it might be worse for those in hell because they want to know what’s happening in heaven so that they could know what they’re losing.

According to the former lecturer of the University of Ibadan (UI), Akande,”Journalism keeps the society informed, bridges the gap between the government and the people, and enhances transparency and probity in government. Law guarantees orderliness; it helps us to settle disputes. Politics is the actual exercise of political power and authoritative allocation of values, that is, how people conduct their lives.

“Journalism is regulated by law. Without media, politics will be a local or probably neighbouring affair. Politics have come alive because of the role of journalism. The relationship between the two is mutual. Journalism ensures probity and transparency in the conduct of law. For instance, the conduct of the judges was questioned by journalists through news reports, etc., and the government intervened. For instance, late Fela Anikulapo asserted that a judge had apologised to him for convicting him. The judge was later removed. There were so many judges that have been removed because of the engagement of leaders and exposure by journalism. Politics is impacted by the constitutional provision or by the law. And the role of the media and journalism in that regard is to expose the excesses of anybody in government to ensure that the law takes its course.

“Nigerians need basic grounding in our politics. You do not have a good government by accident. All over the world, there are conscious efforts at political recruitment so that those who find themselves in positions of authority have some basic understanding of the purpose of government and they have the skill to execute programmes that will ensure the welfare of the people. That is, as citizens of the country, we should consciously seek leaders who are committed to the welfare of the people because when you have an equilibrium between the aspiration of the politician and of the society, that’s the guarantee that democracy will be worthwhile and the dividends of democracy will become available to all,” the ex-NCC boss submitted.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in the state, Chief Ademola Babalola, thanked God for the life of Kareem and described the day as a great day for him. “This is an epoch event that increases the intellectual power of journalism in Nigeria. This book will increase the knowledge of the students in journalism. It is a book that will enrich all of us, irrespective of our fields.

Babalola congratulated Kareem for the success of the book.

While appreciating the attendees, the author of the book, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, noted that,”I learnt a lot from media and politics. I’m happy that those who passed through me and under my tutelage were in attendance. I’m happy for the honours that you all bestowed on me. All the distinguished guests that find their time to come, I thank you all. I especially appreciate Aseyin of Iseyin, who ought to be in Abuja today, and Professor Adeolu Akande, who boarded a chartered flight all the way from Abuja because of this epoch event. My book will be useful and have a positive impact not only on the journalists alone but also on the people in other fields as well,” he hinted.

The launching of the book authored by the veteran journalist, Alhaji Kareem, was a glamorous event that endeared renowned scholars and other eminent personalities in various fields such as media, civil service, business, and politics across the country.

Also in attendance were Aremo Olusegun Osoba represented by Pa Banji Ogundele, Senator Rasheed Ladoja represented by Chief Adeola Oloko, Barr. Samson Iyiola Oladokun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli represented by his ally, Sen. Fatai Buhari represented by Hon. Semiu Azeez, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri (Aseyin of Iseyin), Mrs Hannah Ogunesan, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, Chief Dotun Oyelade, Alhaji Olayide Abass represented by Hon. Wale Sadare, Prince Ayodeji Ajayi, Abiodun Ladepo, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Hon. Popoola Yekeen, Hon.Modupeola Samuel, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Alhaji Bola Azeez, Alhaji Bola Adeniyi, Chief Banji Ojo, Hon. Egunjobi Samuel, Imam Jamiu, Hon. Oladimeji Azuzu, Hon. Layi Agbaje, Hon. Adeniji Adisa, Dr kazeem Adebayo who represented CEO of SAO Petroleum among several others.