Day Bolaji Kareem’s “Reporter” Was Launched Amidst Glowing Tributes in Ibadan | By Ayodeji Ajayi

Without mincing words, Thursday, February 6, 2025, will forever remain unwaveringly indelible in the peaceful mind of one of the distinguished Members of the outstanding UNILAG Mass Communication Class  ’78, the amiable Alhaji Bolaji Kareem whose Book – REPORTER, was successfully launched publicly yesterday amidst glowing Tributes and Testimonies by a galaxy of eminent personalities, including Veteran & Practising Journalists,  Journalism Students, as well as others from the Public Service, Traditional Institution, etc.

Indeed, it was the day all Roads literally led to the  well-known strategically-located Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) Press Centre,  Iyaganku in Ibadan, Oyo State where Alhaji Bolaji Kareem’s 127-page Book was formally launched.
Among those that were physically present to honour the Author were five of his UNILAG 1978  Classmates namely  :  Olympia Alhaji  Hameed Adio, Mr Olalekan Sote, Mr Bamidele Ige, Prince Ayodeji Ajayi and Mr Olusegun Ladipo.

Undoubtedly, from all indications, yesterday’s colourful  auspicious occasion which attracted an impressive number of persons from various walks of life within and beyond Oyo State, was a most  tremendously glorious moment that greatly signified the immense impact Bolaji Kareem has so far successfully made on Journalism, Politics, Community, as well as the Society at large, since his graduation, along with his total of 42  wonderful Coursemates/ Classmates from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Akoka ( UNILAG ), in 1978.

It is noteworthy that the Event held within the highly conducive ambience of the Oyo NUJ Press Centre, was not only hitch-free, but the Venue was also unusually full to capacity.
Although the remarkable ceremony was initially officially slated to commence at exactly 10am, but it finally kicked off in earnest, at 10.57am with the Opening Prayer, followed instantly, by the National Anthem, afterwhich the rhythmic and danceable Oyo State Anthem, was duly respectfully accorded necessary attention by the Audience.

Then came introduction of eminent Guests, including Father of the Day who is Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, Chairman of the Occasion, Barr. Hammed Adeniyi Raji, SAN, ably represented by Alhaji Saheed Adejare Yusuf Alaran, Special Guest of Honour & former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba who was represented by Chairman, Association of Oyo State Veteran Journalists, Pa Banji Ogundele, Royal Fathers of the Day  –  Otun Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba ( Senator ) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja who was represented by Chief Adeola Oloko and the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Iyiola Oladokun, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, first-ever National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists & pioneer Reporter of Nigerian Tribune in Ibadan in 1949,  91-year-old Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Barr. Niyi Akintola, SAN, amongst others.

Chief Host & Chairman, Oyo State Council of NUJ, Comrade Ademola Babalola, formally dutifully  welcomed everybody to the well-conducted ceremony and congratulated the Author of REPORTER, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, on his notable achievement, while wishing him more successes in his various endeavours in life.
In his.Opening Remarks,
the Chairman eulogised Alhaji Kareem whose Book he said, will be a veritable source of inspiration and unswerving encouragement to Journalism practitioners, as well as students in the country.

Apart from the official launch of REPORTER in Ibadan yesterday, another visibly interesting and heartwarming highlight of the memorable  multi-pronged ceremony, was the unarguably incisive, pleasant, propelling, well-delivered and profoundly instructive, well-articulated, well-received and profoundly impactful Lecture professionally presented by the Principal Partner, The Law Hub ( Solicitors & Advocates ), Professor Adeolu Akande.
The intelligent and inspiring Guest Lecturer made his delivery so wonderfully well and unwaveringly illuminating in such a simple, understandable and believable manner that elicited all-round robust rapt attention of the large population of Attendees.
In his masterpiece Lecture entitled :  “Journalism, Law and Politics, Professor Akande carefully identified the different characteristics of Journalism, Law & Politics and explained explicitly, their individual, as well as collective positive contributions to the political, socio-economic, industrial, cultural and overall development of the country, especially since the return of Democratic Dispensation in Nigeria on May 29, 1999.
He stressed that Journalists play significant roles in countries, including Nigeria, especially when they disseminate vital information pertaining to activities of government at various Tiers, to the citizenry. He also said through the societal roles of Journalists, those in government are made to account fully,  responsibly and responsively at all times, to the people that elected them into their respective offices.
Professor Akande described those in the Judiciary as Interpreters of the various Nigerian Laws and emphasised that it is their duty to ensure such laws are dispensed freely, fairly and equitably so that the common man in particular can be rest assured that Justice has truly been served without fear or favour.
As for Politics, he emphasised that those in government at various levels, have the primary statutory responsibilities to direct affairs of the country, irrespective of political, ethnic, religious, cultural, gender, age or occupational affiliations, in such manners that all legitimate Nigerian citizens can benefit substantially, from the dividends of Democracy, as well as other resources across the country.
He also said government has the duty to unconditionally, effectively use politics responsibly and sustainably to ensure all the God-given resources across the country are applied to ensure even development nationwide so that no part of the country would feel neglected, thereby leading to avoidable protests and loss of human lives and valuable property.
Rounding up his exciting and hugely academically-enriched postulation which was done perfectly extempore throughout, Professor Akande systematically convincingly concluded that despite their differences, Journalism, Law and Politics are interwoven, adding that if well co-ordinated and efficiently addressed, the trio could be well applied to collaborate successfully for the overall progress, growth and development of the country.
He stated that Politics for instance,  involves impartial enforcement of rules and laws by those in government at various levels in order to ensure discipline, orderliness, sanity and safety, well-being and peaceful co-existence to avert possible ontoward developments in the country.
In his final Remark, he succinctly,  admonished all Nigerians to always painstakingly and deliberately look out for serious and honest persons who when elected into political offices will sincerely give the well-being of millions of helpless, hapless, hopeless and pauperised citizens topmost priority attention, in addition to being fully accountable for their actions or inactions  while in office.

Not unexpectedly, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Akande was accorded thunderous applauses by the very appreciative Audience following his brilliant and highly stimulating Presentation that added special colour to yesterday’s book launch in the rapidly-growing City of Ibadan in Yorubaland.

Then came a spectacular 15-minute-long Cultural Interlude, followed
immediately by Tributes, Testimonies, etc, during which a number of individuals proudly attested to the sterling behavioural traits and achievements of Alhaji Bolaji Kareem. They prayed fervently, that the Almighty shall grant him long life to be of more useful services to Journalism, Politics, Iseyin Community, in particular, as well as Oyo State, in general.

At the much-anticipated formal Launch of REPORTER which understandably was the cardinal essence of the momentous  Gathering, invited Guests made voluntary donations and pledges variously, in clear  appreciation of the Author’s effort that resulted in the writing of REPORTER.

Among the prominent Launchers was
Barr. Hammed Adeniyi Raji, SAN, whose Representative, Alhaji Saheed Adejare Yusuf Alaran,  publicly announced the purchase of 100 copies of REPORTER for an undisclosed amount as well as  Alhaji Hameed Adio, who announced the amount of N50,000 for purchase of 5 copies.of the Book on behalf of the five UNILAG Class ’78 Classmates of Alhaji Bolaji Kareem who were  physically present at the notable Event yesterday.

Historic and nostalgic Speech of Pa Jola Ogunlusi who at the advanced age of  91, visibly looked healthy, lively, calm, cool and coherent in his dispositions throughout the occasion, was deeply engaging, as well as encouraging.
He recalled correctly circumstances that surrounded the establishment of the Oyo State NUJ Press Centre somewhere else several years back before it later birthed at its present location in Iyaganku. He lauded profusely, those whose contributions have led to the current wonderful state of the Centre. Finally, he commended Bolaji Kareem for writing the Book which he proudly assured would contribute considerably, to sustainable advancement of the teaching and practice of Journalism in Nigeria.

Before his departure, the highly respected Aseyin of Iseyin Land where incidentally, the Author also  hails from, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III Ajirotutu I, paid positively infectious Tribute to Bolaji Kareem for continually projecting Iseyin Land in commendable light before right-thinking persons with discerning minds. He prayed for more long-lasting good quality blessings that would enable Bolaji Kareem make more noticeable contributions to the practice and teaching of Journalism, as well as the overall development of Iseyin Land generally.

In his brief but highly appreciative Vote of Thanks, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, whose spotless expansive beautiful complete white & yellow traditional attire was conspicuously the cynosure of all eyes, greatly expressed unshaken appreciation to all Attendees from far and near, for gracing the splendid occasion despite their busy schedules. He thanked those whose contributions, as well as services contributed immeasurably, to the resounding success of yesterday’s Event. He also prayed that the Almighty shall grant those present, unfailing journey mercies back to their respective destinations hale and hearty.

The profoundly pleasant and weather-favoured Launch of REPORTER was finally brought to a happy close by 2pm with a soul-lifting Prayer.

Ayodeji Ajayi.
Vereran Journalist, Editorial Writer, Administrator, Public Affairs Analyst, Speech Writer, Newspaper Columnist, Ex-Banker and Author, etc.
February 7, 2025.