Photos: Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi Celebrates 50 Years of Professional Excellence, Empowers ‘Cub’ Journalists At IIJ

Photos: Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi Celebrates 50 Years of Professional Excellence, Empowers ‘Cub’ Journalists At IIJ

By Tunde Adeyemo, Ibadan

In a remarkable celebration of a half-century devoted to journalism, Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi, a seasoned journalist with a rich history, marked this milestone by sowing seeds for the future of the profession. This took the form of financial assistance bestowed upon five aspiring journalists undergoing training at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Ibadan Study Centre. The five lucky recipients were selected by the board of IIJ.

The recipients: James Daniel, Kaosarat Olayiwola, Hannah Oyekola, Eunice Bello, and Jessica Adjayi, selected for their outstanding merit, embody a promising cadre of future journalists who now bear the endorsement and support of a veteran journalist in the field.

The commemorative event, which took place, yesterday, at the NUJ Press Centre at Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, was graced by eminent personalities. His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, CFR, the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, sent his regards through His Royal Highness, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, a lawyer, former executive director at the Sketch Press Limited, National Concord, and The Punch. Oba Ajibola emphasised the significance of the occasion.

Oloye Lekan Alabi started in 1973 when he was employed as Reporter/Writer/Reader Grade II by the former Sketch Publishing Company Limited, Ibadan. He would later serve the company as the coordinator for four times (1998, 1999, 2005, and 2008). He was recalled from retirement in 2017 to head the commission that settled the wrath between the Odua Investment Company Limited and the former Sketch Staff Workers Union.

Alabi’s influential career spans five decades, including service as the press secretary to one civilian and three military governors of old Oyo State from 1983 to 1989. The four governors were the late Chief Bola Ige SAN, Retired Major-General Oladayo Popoola, the late Brigadier General Adetunjii Idowu Olurin, and the late Brigadier General Sasaenia Adedeji Oresanya. His journey reflects unwavering commitment and a passion for elevating the media industry.

Comrade Monsuru Adeyemo (Socrates), a lecturer at the IIJ and former Vice Chairman, Aare Latosa Local Council, Ibadan, Oyo State, expertly anchored the event, providing a stage for key figures in journalism, media scholars, and seasoned broadcasters to converge.

“Personally, I’m overjoyed to know that four out of the five beneficiaries are my direct students at the IIJ,” exclaimed Comrade Socrates, underscoring the profound impact of Oloye Lekan Alabi’s gesture.

Among the attendees were notable figures like Chairman of the League of Veteran Journalists in Oyo-State, Mr Banji Ogundele, a former editor at the Nigerian Tribune group, and Senior Special Adviser to a former federal minister, Oyo NUJ Chairman, Oloye Ademola Babalola, represented by Mr. Abiodun Atilola, Barr. Bayo Oyedeji, lawyer and lecturer at the IIJ, Mr Soji Ajibade, veteran journalist and a lecturer at the IIJ, Hon. Thomas Olayode, former chairman, Itesiwaju Local Government Area and a lecturer at the IIJ, Dr Oriyomi Hamzat, Chairman/Founder, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan who announced at the ceremony that High Chief Lekan Alabi would commence a weekly current affairs programme titled,”IWE IRANTI” at the Agidigbo FM station from Monday 15th January this year, and others.

The absence of Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, the leader and coordinator of the IIJ Ibadan study centre, cast a sombre note due, incidentally, to the death of his 94-year-old mother that morning in Iseyin, Oyo State, with attendees expressing condolences. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Mama Kareem. “May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” They prayed.

The event’s success owed much to the dedicated efforts of Mrs. Olawumi Olatuyi, the IIJ secretary and LOC chairperson of the event. Her contributions, along with the support of others, ensured a memorable and impactful occasion.

Dignitaries like Prof. Charles Afolabi, a visiting professor from a university in France who announced that High Chief Lekan Alabi would be conferred with a merit award by the university in Lagos, Nigeria on 29th January, 2024 as part of the university golden anniversary celebration, Alhaji Ganiyu Salami, a former official driver of High Chief Lekan Alabi while he was the press secretary in old Oyo state, Alhaji Kazeem Lanrewaju Adepoju, a son of the Yoruba poet and writer, Alhaji Lanrewaju Adepoju who died in November last year, Dr. Oladele Ogunmola, the media director to Olubadan of Ibadan Land, and others who graced the occasion, further underscored the importance of Oloye Lekan Alabi’s legacy.

This historic celebration not only marks dedication to journalistic excellence but also paints a vibrant picture of a future enriched by the contributions of the next wave of media professionals nurtured at the IIJ, Ibadan Study Centre.

Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Mr. Banji Ogundele, Prof. Charles Afolabi, Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat, Alhaji Ganiyu Salami, Barr Bayo Oyedeji, Mr. Soji Ajibade, Hon. Thomas Olayode, and others, respectively, lauded Oloye Lekan Alabi as a blessing to the journalistic profession and humanity at large.

In his thank-you speech, Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi expressed gratitude to all the veteran journalists and dignitaries in attendance. He acknowledged the role played by his driver, Alhaji Gani Salami, emphasizing the value of relationships in his enduring success story.”First, glory be to Almighty God. I thank His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, represented by His Royal Highness, Oba Tajudeeen Ajibola, veteran journalists, dignitaries, pressmen, students, and everybody here present. I can never forget the exposure given to me in 1974 by the late editor of Sunday Sketch, Mr. Phillips Bamidele Adedeji, who gave me a page in the weekly edited by him. Thank you all for the love and encouraging remarks. Indeed, I’m humbled by your encomia, and I promise to do more.

Alabi, along with other veteran journalists, charged the beneficiaries, selected based on merit, to remain focused and uphold the ethos of journalism. “Opinions are free; facts are sacred.” He reiterated.

The former press secretary to the late governor Lam Adeshina of Oyo State, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, arrived at the venue at the tail end of the programme.

The promise of a future shaped by these budding journalists resonates as a testament to the enduring legacy of Oloye Lekan Alabi’s 50 years of professional excellence.

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