President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Chief Shola Oshunkeye, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Ghana Publishing Limited and a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, FNGE, who turned 70 on April 20, 2026.
In the congratulatory message issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu rejoiced with the award-winning journalist and praised him for his contributions to the struggle for the restoration of democracy and accountable governance in Nigeria, as well as to the development of journalism in the country.
Below is the full text of the statement:
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES SHOLA OSHUNKEYE, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST AND PUBLISHER, AT 70
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Chief Shola Oshunkeye, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Ghana Limited, and 2006 CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year overall winner, as he turns 70 on April 20, 2026.
The President rejoices with him and praises his contributions to the struggle for the restoration of democracy and accountable governance in Nigeria, as well as to the development of journalism in the country.
Osunkeye, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, served at various times as Editor of Weekend Concord, Senior Associate Editor of TELL Magazine, General Editor at The Sun Group, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Ghana Limited, and President/CEO of The Crest Online.
President Tinubu happily notes Oshunkeye’s unrelenting pursuit of truth, not only in Nigeria but across Africa, culminating in his 2006 award as the CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year for his investigative work, Niger’s Graveyard of the Living.
As Oshunkeye turns 70, the President wishes him many more years of fruitful service to Nigeria and humanity.
Henry Femi Osobu, a lawyer of repute and an authentic Ijesa schooled in the Omoluabi ethos, has joined the swelling ranks of prominent Nigerians celebrating Olayinka Fasuyi, international management consultant and the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, who turns 70 on October 25, 2025, eulogising his purposeful life, honesty and integrity, as well as his unadulterated love and unwavering commitment to the development of Ijesaland.
Here is Osobu’s testimony on the Asiwaju, right in his own words:
CELEBRATING THE PLATINUM BIRTHDAY OF AN ICONIC LEADER.
-Barr. Henry Femi Osobu
Hurray! Our own Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi has joined the platinum club!!! This no doubt is an important milestone in the life history of a great leader who confidently rotates along the Yeye Asiwaju axis and gives Olabisi his ardent and undiluted love. Thus, we are celebrating a good family man, a remarkable patriot, a distinguished leader, and a champion of community development.
My dear Asiwaju, your 70th birthday anniversary presents us with a wonderful opportunity to honour your purposeful life’s achievements, managerial skills, honesty, integrity, candour, intellectual capability, dedication and unwavering commitment to the socio-economic growth and prosperity of Ijesaland.
Indeed, your life journey is a testament to your unrelenting passion for selfless service and visionary leadership. As the first Asiwaju of Ijesaland, you have demonstrated an uncommon mobilization capacity and continued to galvanize the Ijesa community, fostering unity and progress.
Your various initiatives, in collaboration with other Ijesa compatriots, have empowered the youth to embrace agriculture, technical skills, and ICT while promoting access to quality healthcare and infrastructural development in our fatherland.
We therefore consider it apposite to highlight some of the noble, patriotic, and multifaceted achievements of Ijesaland Community Development Assembly (ICDA) under your able chairmanship. These include but are not limited to the following.
Community development: spearheading projects that promote unity and progress, such as the construction of the ultramodern palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, completed in nine months.
Youth Empowerment: initiating programs like the Ijesa Youth Development Fund, which provides financial support to youths, and sponsoring 250 students in the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Ilesa.
Healthcare: championing efforts to enhance access to quality medical services, particularly through the establishment of the Ijesaland Geriatric Center, one of the largest community-funded projects in Nigeria There is also community funded NHIS for easy access to medical services by the elderly and the less privileged in our society.
Food security: Initiating partnership with Leventis Foundation for the training of 86 Ijesa youths in various fields of agriculture with a view to making them Agricultural entrepreneurs that will enhance food production in Ijesaland.
ICT/Technology hub: initiating partnership with RLG, Ilesa for the training of over 120 youths across the length and breadth of Ijesaland and making them entrepreneurs in the ICT sector
Unifying force: bringing together Ijesa, promoting a sense of community and shared purpose through initiatives like ‘Heroes of Ijesa unity ‘.
Visionary leadership: demonstrating wisdom, sense of purpose, accountability, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in your leadership roles, especially as the Asiwaju of Ijesaland.
Inspirational Figure: Inspiring countless individuals with your life achievements and motivating them to strive for greatness.
On this landmark birthday, my family and I wish you continued strength, wisdom, and divine guidance as you lead Ijesaland to greater heights. May your remaining years be filled with grace, joy, good health, fulfillment, and sustainable prosperity.
Congratulations and best wishes to an iconic leader.
Happy 70th Birthday to the indomitable Olusegun Mimiko,
Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN
a true champion of the people! As one of his proud associates, my heart swells with joy as I reflect on the profound honor of serving alongside such an extraordinary leader. Dr. Mimiko’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians has sparked a flame of inspiration that continues to illuminate our paths.
A Life of Service
Born on October 3, 1954, Dr. Mimiko has dedicated his life to the noble mission of serving others. From his early days as a passionate medical student at the esteemed Obafemi Awolowo University to his distinguished tenure as Governor of Ondo State, he has always placed the needs of the populace at the forefront. His steadfast dedication to healthcare, education, and infrastructure has transformed countless lives, proving that true leadership is rooted in compassion and selflessness.
A Visionary Leader
Throughout his governorship, Dr. Mimiko’s administration became a beacon of hope, prioritizing the needs of the people and earning him the cherished title of “Iroko.” His groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Abiye program, have set a remarkable standard for healthcare reform across the nation. His visionary leadership has not only catalyzed economic growth but has also enhanced infrastructure and championed social justice, leaving an indelible mark on our society.
A Man of Principle
Dr. Mimiko’s unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance is truly commendable. He has stood firm in his beliefs, even when faced with adversity, showcasing an admirable resilience. His courage has inspired a new generation of leaders to follow in his esteemed footsteps, ensuring that his legacy of integrity and service endures.
Notable Achievements
Education Reforms: Initiatives like free shuttle buses and interventions at the tertiary level have significantly improved access to education for thousands of Nigerians.
Kaadi Igbe Ayo: The Ondo Residency Card Initiative has brought essential services directly to the doorsteps of citizens.
Urban Renewal: His ambitious vision for a modern Ondo State has transformed cities and towns into vibrant communities.
Agriculture: A strong emphasis on agriculture has empowered farmers and boosted food production across the region.
Judiciary Reforms: His relentless efforts have fortified the judiciary, ensuring justice is accessible to all.
A Lasting Legacy
As we gather to celebrate Dr. Mimiko’s 70th birthday, we honor his selfless service to the people of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole. His legacy inspires us to strive for a brighter future, filled with hope and possibility.
“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowery words. It is about the impact we make in the lives of others.” Dr. Mimiko, your remarkable journey exemplifies this profound truth. Here’s to many more years of impactful service, joyous celebrations, and an unwavering spirit of making a difference!
Between Alhaji Abdul Lateef Olumide Lawal and the late first executive governor of Osun State who later became a two-time senator, Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, exists a most mysterious but pleasant tie. Adeleke died in 2017 but no year has passed without Lawal dispensing tributes with fresher angle each year. Countless fellow compatriots from Ede, appreciate Haji Lawal’s faithfulness to friendship. Alhaji Lawal’s undying commitment to the bond is probably the least the community would jointly volunteer on account of the rescuer intervention that Adeleke’s emergence as governor symbolized. His disposition to Adeleke only typifies his most outstanding quality-being appreciative of kind gestures no matter how insignificant.
From Uncle Olumide to children, nephews, nieces and his treasured younger colleagues, every encounter is routinely laden with prayers and inimitable words of inspiration and encouragement. Not one that surrenders to fate where action is indispensable, he relentlessly scouts for opportunities for folks as if he is the potential beneficiary even as he is the last person describable as an opportunist. Who can believe that Haji Olumide doesn’t feel tempted to plunge into compromise to seek favours from Davido, the renowned musician publicly acknowledged as an indomitable spender, in spite of all he has done for Davido’s uncles Isiaka, Ademola and Adeeyo? Uncle Olumide would not deride anyone either for not patronizing him. Quite clearly his is a life dedicated to gratitude, by faith and personal conviction, I would argue.
Uncle Olumide today savours the quietude of his country home in Ede as a journalist supposedly retired but he still beams with vigour. He had relocated to Ede before the former late Senator Adetunji Adeleke died in 2017 and so was the commanding officer of the Serubawon political campaigns which yielded victory even as he had to compete with digital natives on the side of the opponents. Serubawon’s death hardly impacted on anyone as much as Uncle Olumide, extremely depressed. But that didn’t deter him from being protective of Serubawon’s interest even after his demise. Promptly, he rose to rouse the campaign facilities for Ademola,Serubawon’s brother who offered to complete Serubawon’s term in the senate. This he did so much to the extent that he became the trans-generational bridge for the success of Ademola beckoning the young and the old for Ademola’s support. Although this writer, for instance, was Ademola’s classmate, it was at the instance of Uncle Olumide that Ademola earned one’s support.
Uncle’s philosophy consistently manifests continuity of good legacy. A descendant of the great Lawal Family of Ailaka Compound Ede, Uncle happened to be one of the leading science students in his class at the Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School Ede, clearly the most expensive in the entire Osun Division of that era. But one of the teachers had managed to introduce political education of Marxian leaning to the smart ones among the students who would want to do their best to realize a better Nigeria.
One of the world leaders showcased as excelling with the ideology to the young Olumide was Fidel Castro. On account of the young man’s obvious outspokenness, he earned the label Fidel Castro. The young Olumide was also outstandingly ever neat , thus had the Fidel replaced with Finni (short form of Ajisefinni, meaning one whose most constant priority is neatness. Ajisefinni was the sobriquet for Ede’s arguably most renowned barber in the 70s and 80s). Consequently, the young Olumide had his nickname properly indegenised to Finni Castro and the name has stuck through ages. He is hailed Castro till date by his contemporaries.
Beyond ‘flying’ out of the school with the Castro label, he has had his mind moulded. Rather than purse a science inclined career, he chose journalism, the path of his uncle, Late Chief Sola Lawal, a pioneer journalist of the Tribune newspapers, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper. “Having being politically cultivated at Seventh Day Adventist, there was no stopping the fire in me. I saw a convincing model in Uncle Sola Lawal. My uncle was a highly principled professional, yet was socially and economically successful in the superlative rating. Thus began my career in broadcast journalism, specifically radio.”
He continued in a recent conversation with this writer: “I love writing frequently, another strong practice cultivated at Seventh Day Adventist. So, for me, advancing the cause I believe in has to be done through all possible windows. But that’s why I defied all odds and threatening risks to stand by Senator Ademola Adeleke when he needed to speak out through the media during his travails. I got all reputable media invited to Ede to come hear his side of the raging story. Fierce looking security operatives had flooded the entire state just to ensure Ademola didn’t have access to the world through the media. But what quality would a journalist appropriate to himself if not tenancity? I had to change venue some three times and finally I got Senator Ademola’s friends mobilized to speak for him and today the rest history to the glory of God.
Beyond the Adelekes, Uncle Olumide has equally remained steadfast with Sir Eyo as he fondly referred to late Dr Wale Adeeyo, publisher of the defunct Anchor newspapers. Is it not surprising that somebody who, beyond being grounded man of letters, was a publisher of a national newspaper, didn’t attract published tributes worth citing from at least a few of his former employees? Beloved Castro is the last man standing!
All the good gestures from Haji olumide were merely expressions of aniyan to daa ( or good wishes) rather than for pecuniary gains as this new septuagenarian is reasonably endowed materially and visibly radiates contentment as much as discernible. Some five years ago, the wedding ceremony of one of the children which he personally bankrolled held at an “all amenities completed hotel” (to echo Fuji founder, Ayinde Barrister) in the heart of Lagos. In addition to the monarch from Ede, Kabiyesi Muniru Adesola, Laminisa 1, the Timi of Ede, the guests’ list was a spectacle of who’s who from around Nigeria, even as the lowly were duly catered for in line with the spirit of Finni Castro.
A distinguished broadcast journalist of decades with Nigeria’s largest radio network, Hajji Olumide’s professional trajectory was characterized by uncommon, high level engagements at different times: Spanning whole decade, 1990-2000, he was Public Relations Consultant to the defunct Nigeria Sugar Company, Bacita. In 1993, on account of his erudition and dynamism, he doubled as the Chair of the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Think-Tank constituted by Governor Adeleke of Osun State. Ahead of all these, the energetic professional had been tasked to cover Hajj in 1984. That was the same year the sitting Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, who I later learnt from my long time brotherly friend, Afolabi Gambari, happened to be a soulmate of Sir Eyo, performed hajj.
As one of the outstanding and shining stars of Edeland, Alhaji Olumide Lawal, in a book edited by an Ede born, globally renowned historian, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, is described as a: “ …self-made man who passed through the crucible and fire, and came out untainted and unscathed, a product of hard work…spartan discipline and abundance of native intelligence”
Haji Lawal has diligentlypaid his dues in rendering journalism and humanitarian services. It may well be said that beneficiaries of his good heart may deem this special 70th birthday anniversary to reciprocate and even replicate such.
Akanni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University, Nigeria.
Hallelujah!!! Let me start by giving thanks and all the glories to our Father. A Father like no father. He who created us and gave us life in abundance. He who preserved us all through this journey of life. He who shielded us from the snares of death and from the great pandemic that disrupted the world in 2020 and took away lives too many to count. Beloved, let me wish you a truly happy New Year.
Look at your neighbour eye ball to eye ball. Shake hands and say: “Congratulations for surviving 2020, the dreadful year of Covid-19. In 2021, we shall sing Redemption Song.”
Today’s column is for my friend and brother Dr. Emmanuel-Sunny Ojeagbase who clocked 70 on December 31, 2020. As I write this column, plans are on the way to organize a 70th birthday ZOOM party for him. I cannot wait to write this piece after the birthday party. To meet the deadline for this column, I just have to go with what I have. In this age of advanced technology, I sent Dr. Ojeagbase a birthday greetings on WhatsApp: “To God be the glory. Happy 70th birthday to a great man of God and a great man of Journalism. I rejoice with you on reaching this landmark age. My prayer is that you will see more and more years in good health and prosperity. You are a survivor because the Lord is in your corner. Continually, you will be a winner to the glory of He who sent you. Happy birthday.”
He replied: “Thank you, my brother, Mike. Thank you for ALWAYS being there. I thank GOD for letting our paths cross. May GOD continue to bless you and your wonderful family every day of your life. Love you!”
Dr. Sunny Ojeagbase
So, how did our paths cross such that we became “neigbhours” sharing the upper floors of two three-bedroom flats in Egbeda area of Lagos, in those days of humble beginnings? It’s a long story which started from Kaduna where I was the Chief Correspondent of Chief MKO Abiola’s Concord newspaper group and I wrote for the legendary editor of the then Sunday Concord the late Dele Giwa compelling articles which dazzled him, such that he created for me a column called “Reporter’s Notebook” where I started as a columnist. Then for Sunny Ojeagbase who was the Sports Editor of Sunday Concord, I also wrote a piece on Diego Maradona that impressed him and got it published. From Kaduna, Dele Giwa arranged my being brought down to Lagos to work directly under him. There I became close to Ojeagbase living next to each along Akowonjo Road, Egbeda. From Concord, he moved to The Guardian as Sports Editor.
At that Egbeda flat in 1984, we witnessed the births of our children. Then one day, Ojeagbase had this divine call to start Nigeria’s first sports newspaper. It was the great motivational speaker Ubong King who said: “A man with a vision is a mad man until the vision comes to pass.” Ubong King did not live to see 2021. He died on December 26, 2020 at the age of 48. May his soul rest in perfect peace. And may the souls of all the millions who died last year rest in peace.
When Ojeagbase had this vision, this burning zeal to start a sports newspaper, I was the first person he approached. He came into my room with a letter of resignation which he asked me to go and drop at The Guardian. I was hesitant. I was thinking: Is he thinking right? Does this guy want to commit suicide?
For the typical journalist who is used to being paid a monthly salary, who hadn’t imbibed the spirit of entrepreneurship, leaving paid employment was akin to suicide. I was a bit hesitant in going to drop the resignation letter. The whole episode reminded me of when King Arthur in his dying days asked Sir Bedivere to go and throw his sword, Excalibur, into the lake but he declined. As a kid, I was fond of reading Arthurian legends. Like Sir Bedivere, I resisted but eventually submitted the resignation letter and the rest is history. Ojeagbase, armed with nothing, went to start Sports Souvenir, Nigeria’s first sports newspaper which he was selling with his wife and children at the National Stadium, Surulere, during big matches. From there, God blessed him and the business grew, leading to Complete Sports and the array of international sports magazines and newspapers making him the undisputed King of Nigeria’s Sport Journalism.
Ojeagbase writes in his memoirs: “The first time I deliberately took a faith-based, life-altering decision, knowing I was depending solely on GOD in taking the step, was when I boldly decided to start our sports publishing business without a single penny in my bank account. Before then, I had tried every method I knew to raise capital for the business. But none of them worked. Then, in October 1984, I was confronted with a big hurdle…a hard choice. The choice was that I either kept my sports editor job and adjusted to receiving lesser pay, or I quit the job and launched the sports publishing business without seed capital. I opted for the latter, putting my faith in GOD to see me through. It was a risky decision, no doubt. And I almost lost everything because of that single action, including social standing, prestige and self-worth. But in the end, the GOD I trust proved Himself to be dependable! The publishing business endured all the initial hardship that came its way. This business has been existing for more than 30 years now. And it is going very strong to the glory of Almighty GOD, our Sustainer and Great Provider.”
The story of Dr. Ojeagbase goes beyond sports. It is the story of a survivor. If you read his book, “Testimony of a Kidney Failure Survivor,” you will read about the “Secrets That Helped Me Overcome Sure Death and Prove the Faithfulness of GOD!”
His story is like the story of Job. A man who battled satan and won. A man of God afflicted with life-threatening illness like diabetes and kidney failure but survived it all to write about his experiences. Trusting in faith healing, Dr. Ojeagbase one day, without telling his trusted wife, decided audaciously to do away with all his diabetes drugs. He writes: “There is a bridge linking Amuwo to Okota. As we approached the bridge, I told the driver to park the car at the foot of the bridge to discharge my ‘cargo’ without telling anyone what it was. As I threw away the cellophane bag containing my diabetes medication in the stream running under that bridge, I reaffirmed my trust in GOD that what He said in the Bible that I believe, will come to pass in my life.”
That action nearly cost him his life, but for God. Many years after, a doctor forced him to return to his diabetes drugs. From kidney transplant in India to dialysis treatment in Lagos and Atlanta USA, God has miraculously rescued Dr. Ojeagbase from the shadows of death. And God has blessed him with a faithful wife Pastor (Mrs.) Esther Ojeagbase who is a big part of the Ojeagbase story. That he has lived to see 70 years is by God’s love, goodness and mercy to a servant who has trusted in Him. A man whose story will take many books to write. A man who has mentored many. A quintessential self-made man who survived death as a teenage soldier during the Nigeria Civil War to a legendary sports journalist, to a motivator, to the progenitor of Information Marketing and Internet Entrepreneurship in Nigeria, to a kidney survivor, to an Evangelist preaching the Good News of salvation.
President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with a former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, on his 70th birthday on December 16.
The president’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.
Buhari said in the statement that he was joining the family, friends and associates of the former governor in celebrating the milestone.
He particularly congratulated Ajimobi ”for his many years of outstanding achievements in both the private and public sectors, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the places where he had been at the helm of affairs, especially in the insurance and oil sectors.”
According to him, Ajimobi’s forthrightness, patriotism and passion in working for the good of the country and humanity will continue to stand him out as a resourceful manager, exemplary leader and patriot.
The president also commended the former governor for his contributions to the nation’s development, both as a senator and governor.
He urged Ajimobi to remain steadfast in love and loyalty to Nigeria, and use his wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience to contribute more to the country’s development, especially through mentoring of young leaders. (NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church as he turns 78 years old.
The President recalls his meeting with the respected cleric at State House, Abuja, last October, during which the latter shared deep insights about the country, and how he prayed with him, and for the entire country, particularly in respect of the then forthcoming general elections.
President Buhari applauds the divine wisdom, and temperate nature, which Pastor Kumuyi exudes at all times, and prays that God will give him longer life, and greater grace to serve God and humanity.
Mr. Ray Ekpu turned 70 yesterday(Monday, August 6, 2018), and we all turned up at the Agip Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos, to celebrate his arrival at the gate of the proverbial three scores and ten in life’s bumpy journey, what Dan Agbese calls, the “age of wisdom.” Except that wisdom came to Ray Ekpu much earlier. For the past 45 years he has devoted his entire life to a conversation with his country, Nigeria, and with the entire universe, asking questions, interrogating issues and providing much meaning with his pen. His reward has been a life of purposeful leadership in his chosen field. He is without doubt one of the masters of the pen profession in Nigeria.
He is indeed one of the most inspirational figures in modern Nigerian journalism, along with his colleagues at the Newswatch magazine – Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, Soji Akinrinade and the generations of journalists that they helped to groom and others of their own generation, too numerous to mention who gave Nigerian journalism new meaning through innovativeness, entrepreneurship but more importantly through the courage to speak the truth.
Ray Ekpu is ordinarily a soft-looking, soft-spoken gentleman, but beneath that calm exterior is a fiery spirit, so much fire in the belly, stubbornness and irreverence and a capacity to kick against any form of chicanery. In the course of an eventful career, he has been detained more than six times. In January 1983, he wrote an article in which he advised that a major public building should be secured lest the crooks working in the place set it on fire to destroy documents in the accounts department. As it happened, the building in question, the Nigeria External Telecommunications (NET) building in Lagos, went up in flames the following day. Someone died. Ekpu was charged for arson and murder. For writing an opinion, he was accused of using his pen to commit arson and murder! He was again in another matter, charged for contempt of court. He and his colleagues were a pain in the neck of Nigeria’s military desperadoes.
Ray-Ekpu
I started reading him as an undergraduate at the University of Calabar. In those days, Nigerian universities had very good newspaper sections and the UNICAL library was excellent. Today, the new heroes of the Nigerian cultural space are rich musicians, rich Nollywood actors, yahoo boys, dumb politicians and crooked baby Mamas riding vehicles the source of which they can’t explain to their poor parents, yes, slay queens too, those coded prostitutes with borrowed wigs and eye lashes. But in our time, when we were growing up, we looked up to the likes of Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Biodun Jeyifo, Edwin Madunagu, Chinweizu, Effiong Essien, Andy Akporugo, Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese Yakubu Mohammed, Ray Ekpu, Soji Akinrinade, Doyin Abiola, Bilkisu Yusuf, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chidi Amuta, Tola Adeniyi, Odia Ofeimun, Sonala Olumhense, Ashikiwe Adigone-Egom, Niyi Osundare, Amma Ogan – men and women who used their pens to construct an empire of ideas around Nigeria’s troubled ecosystem. Ray Ekpu was a star in that firmament and he has remained one of the most consistent and most durable. He is sharp, lucid, assertive. His prose is well-crafted, his style is unmistakable, his devotion to his trade and art is impressive.
Like all men, he has had his moments of trials and triumphs. He has been to places and occupied positions of leadership that future Nigerian journalists would be glad to reach. But he has taken everything in his stride. In his lifetime, the Department of Mass Communication at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic has been named after him, and he is readily cited as a model of journalistic excellence in Africa.
However, Mr Ekpu is not all about writing, editing, publishing and activism. I can attest that the man enjoys the art of being human. He loves to dance, he enjoys cognac and he is fashionable with all the things that go with that, especially those shapely things that light up a room even when NEPA takes light. When a young man follows elders around, he learns many things but because it is not everything you go home and tell Mummy, let us save those proverbs for another day. Congratulations sir. Live long.
