President Bola Tinubu has described former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as a remarkable Nigerian who was always concerned about the unity of Nigeria and its development.
Tinubu said this at the public launch of the book, “My Life in the Public Eye”, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark Chief Osoba’s 85th birthday.
The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, disclosed that Chief Osoba, as a member of the National Democratic Alliance, played a leading role in ensuring the return of democratic rule in the country.
Tinubu recalled the celebrant’s efforts in co-forming the All Progressives Congress, adding that the leading journalist was always interested in discussing issues that would positively impact Nigeria and Nigerians.
Noting that the life of Chief Osoba would be a source of inspiration to the youths, the President called on other Nigerians with rich experiences to take up the cause of writing for prosperity.
He acknowledged the current economic situation of the country but stressed that his administration was working to address food shortages, calling on Nigerians to grow what they eat.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, speaking at the event, commended the author for producing the book for the benefit of the next generation.
Akpabio said Chief Osoba is a great nationalist whose contribution to national development is unparalleled.
In his address, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, recalled Chief Osoba’s contribution to journalism, saying that as a young reporter covering the 1966 civil war, he discovered the bodies of the late Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, and Finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh.
He said during his tenure as governor of the Gateway State, Aremo Osoba exemplified unwavering dedication, integrity and profound commitment to public service, adding that he contributed to the development, stability and progress of Nigeria and Ogun State.
“During his leadership reign, Chief Olusegun Osoba tackled challenges with vision and determination, and laid the foundation for the socio-economic development we enjoy today. His visionary policies in education, healthcare, rural electrification, infrastructure and agriculture have left an indelible mark on the landscape of our state.
“Chief Osoba’s extraordinary efforts and passion for rural development are unprecedented in the history of our state, as he changed the narrative of rural-urban migration by delivering development to these communities during his tenure as governor,” Prince Abiodun said.
The governor said the occasion represented the ideals the celebrant upheld, including good governance that guarantees freedom, fairness, inclusiveness, equality and justice, and makes life more prosperous and enriching for the people of Ogun State.
The Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume, praised Aremo Osoba, describing him as an intellectual and highly intelligent person, saying his views on national and political issues are always sound, also commended him for putting his experience in the public service in writing.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Chief Osoba is a prolific writer who is passionate about the development of the country and admonished the aspiring journalists not to under-market the country but rather write and comment on issues that will benefit the people.
In his goodwill message, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Chief Osoba as an eminent Nigerian who helped build the Daily Times of Nigeria into one of the best newspapers in the country.
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