Ogun state government commissions press centre in honour of Osoba, holds maiden press conference inside centre

The Ogun State Government on Tuesday commissioned a multi-million naira Press Centre in honour of former Governor Olusegun Osoba, a renowned veteran journalist, who is a mentor to journalists across the globe.

Penpushing reports that, the edifice located within the premises of the Governor’s office at Oke,-Mosan, Abeokuta and named after Osoba is provided with state of the art facilities, aimed to ease the work of practicing journalists in the state.

The ceremony was witnessed by media guru which include: Reuben Abati, Gbenga Adefaye, Niran Malaolu, Eddy Aina,Bayo Onanuga , Demola Badejo, Lai Labode, Tunde Oladunjoye,Stella Din,Toyin Sogbesan, Seyi Oladimeji ,Sam Ibiyemi, Kunle Somorin, Lekan Osiade and Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (founder Penpushing Media), as well as prominent traditional rulers which include: Oba Adedotun Gbadebo (Alake of Egbaland), Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege (Olota of Ota) and Oba Olufemi Ogunleye (Towulade Akinlade)

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in his speech at the well packaged ceremony  described Osoba as a nationalist and an achiever, pointing out that history would vindicate him for using journalism to improve on the nation rather than divide it

Penpushing also reports that, the Governor noted that Osoba’s  exemplary contributions to the pen profession has helped him to attain a greater heights in politics advising young media practitioners to emulate the professionalism demonstrated by the veteran journalist, just as he assured that the current administration will continue to assist media practitioners in discharging their duties diligently

The Governor  urged the media practitioners to avoid sensational and fake news that can cause crisis in the country and thanked them for their support to the government explaining that the press centre was named after the former Governor as a demonstration of the commitment of the government to press freedom and in appreciation of the respect the current administration accord the media practitioners

Penpushing reports that, Dr Reuben Abati in his remarks, recounted  his experience in the early years of practice, when he grew up to know Osoba, affirming that, the former Governor contributed immensely to development of journalism and distinguished himself in the profession and politics

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile, in his speech described Osoba as a good ambassador  and  a divine gift to the journalism profession, saying the veteran journalist is a household name known for his exploit in the media world.

Penpushing also reports that, Odusile emphasised that the former Governor took part in the fight to enthrone democracy in the country and vigorously pursue grassroots development during his tenure as the Governor of the State.

The former Commissioner for Information in the state, Dr Niran Malaolu in his own contributions said the Governor’s gesture was not just an honour to one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian journalism but to all journalists

Penpushing  further reports that, the traditional ruler of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye while recounting his personal experience while working with Osoba at the Daily Times Newspapers said he was a super boss,and advised practising and future journalists to work harder and be objective in their reportage towards making landmark achievements in this generation, adding that  Osoba left good legacy for them in the profession

The Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, noted that journalism was about touching people’s lives, saying that Osoba is a man of integrity who has affected people’s lives positively in the course of carrying out his professional job.

Penpushing reports that,  Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege who is a Professor of Journalism reminisced working with Osoba, as one of his correspondent while serving as  Governor, stressing that  the memory will continue to linger, as journalists never had it so good, in terms of respect and honour bequeathed them.

The traditional ruler  who is a veteran  journalist emphasised that the former Governor is a great teacher who was always looking out for the welfare of his colleagues in the journalism profession.

Penpushing further reports that, Osoba in his response lauded Governor Aiodun for the honour done on him stating that the singular action has impacted positively to his existence and  would equally elongate his life span, adding that the honour has erased the sixteen years of his traumatic period after leaving office describing the day as emotional

The former Governor who could not hide his joy over the honout  applauded the Governor for the improved infrastructural amenities in the state especially the completion of the kuto road, the ongoing reconstruction of Abeokuta -Sagamu road among others

Penpushing also reports that,, Osoba after the commissioning held a maiden press interview with journalists, at the centre  and was accompanied by Governor Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor, Noimot  Salako-Oyedele, Waheed Odusile and  Oba Olufemi Ogunleye

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