Former Ogun State governor and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Osoba, has commended Mr. Femi Adesina, former special adviser on media and publicity to immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari for being a good journalist and active Christian.
He said Nigerians should not blame Adesina for defending his boss.
At the launch of a book, “A Peep Into the Past”, part of memoir and collection of landmark articles and reportage by Sir Folu Olamiti in his about 50 years career in journalism, Osoba said Adesina should not be blamed for all he did to defend Buhari.
According to the former governor, as a spokesman, Adesina’s role was to defend his principal whether he has done good or bad.
Osoba said, “Don’t blame Femi Adesina for defending Buhari’s work. His job is to defend him whether you like Buhari or not. His job is to defend him and he made a good job of it.”
Folu Olamiti, a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE), who worked for 32 years at the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, was a former editor of Sunday Tribune, former editor of the Nigerian Tribune and former executive director of the company.
He was also former media consultant to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a member of the International Press Institute, Fellow Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA) and immediate past chairman of the board of Management Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television (ACNNTV).
Other dignitaries including media practitioners and traditional rulers were present as Olamiti marked his 72th birthday celebration with the book launch in Ibadan yesterday.
The author, according to the dignitaries, deserved accolades, noting his contributions to the development of the journalism profession in the country.
According to them, Olamiti played notable roles in human and capacity building in the profession, as this was attested to by Aremo Osoba when he described him as a great Nigerian.
“I have a high respect for him as a professional colleague. He combined his role as editor of a reputable newspaper with that of Christendom. He is an active member of the Anglican Communion.
“As a Christian, I know what it takes to be dutiful in the service of God having stayed with my uncle, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola who was a founder of Christ Apostolic Church.
“Olamiti has the fear of God. I am sure that he will make Heaven like myself,” he said.
Also, the consultant/director, African Newspapers of Nigeria, Plc, Pastor Segun Olatunji described Olamiti as a builder of men.
“Mr. Olamiti brought me to the Nigerian Tribune in 1987 as a reporter. He is the best reporter. He has mentored many journalists of repute, too numerous to mention.
“He has impacted on many lives and he is a leader who is always willing to learn from his subordinate,” Olatunji said.
In the same vein, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, said he had learnt a lot from the author.