Osoba leads media icons to celebrate Oshunkeye at 70

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos was abuzz with activity on Thursday as a distinguished gathering of media veterans, public figures, and industry stakeholders convened to celebrate the 70th birthday of veteran journalist Shola Oshunkeye. This event, held at the Sir Kensington Adebutu Media Resource Centre, was more than just a birthday party; it was a testament to Oshunkeye's enduring impact on Nigerian journalism and public communication.

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We tend to celebrate others, but recently the situation is changing to celebrating our own.

The presence of influential figures such as former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Ovation Media Group Chairman Dele Momodu, and former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina underscored the respect and admiration Oshunkeye commands within the profession. Their reflections on his career, blending humor with deep appreciation, painted a picture of a resourceful and relevant professional whose influence continues to shape the media landscape.

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I have come here because I am always around for anything that has to do with journalism.

Osoba's commendation of the growing culture of celebrating journalists while they are alive resonated deeply, signaling a positive shift within the Nigerian media fraternity. His personal regard for Oshunkeye, whom he described as a man he respects immensely for his contributions, added a personal touch to the collective tribute. This sentiment was echoed by Momodu, who, in his keynote address, powerfully articulated Oshunkeye's significance, stating, "If journalism in Nigeria has a conscience, it would be in the voice of Shola Oshunkeye."

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Shola is a man I respect a lot for his contribution to our profession and what he is still going to contribute.

Momodu's address, centered on the theme "The Decline of Human Interest Journalism in Nigeria," provided a critical examination of contemporary media trends. His call for a re-evaluation of editorial priorities, pushing back against the marginalization of human-centered stories, is a crucial conversation for the Nigerian press. It is a perspective that resonates particularly strongly here, where the human element in reporting often forms the bedrock of connection and understanding with our diverse populace. This event, therefore, served not only to honor a legend but also to spark vital discussions about the future of our cherished profession.

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If journalism in Nigeria has a conscience, it would be in the voice of Shola Oshunkeye.