From Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Former governor Olusegun Osoba has disclosed that the last 16 years, particularly the first eight years of it, were quite "traumatic" for him after leaving office in 2003.
Osoba who took a dispassionate look at the situation of things in the Gateway State within that period, noted that it was particularly "traumatic" in the first 8 years after leaving office, recalling that he couldn't visit his Abeokuta residence while that era of political turbulence lasted.
According to him, he was declared a "persona non grata."
He also added that the second phase of the 8 years was palpably "problematic" for him.
Although the ace reporter and former Editor of The Daily Times did not mention names but it was apparent that he was referring to the administrations of Otunba Gbenga Daniel (May 29, 2003 to May 28, 2011)which allegedly persecuted him and that of Senator Ibikunle Amosun(May 29, 2011 to May 28, 2019 which equally was allegedly "problematic" for the former Alliance for Democracy (AD) ex - governor.
The Southwest All Progressives Congress(APC) leader spoke on Tuesday while making his remarks at the inauguration of the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre located at Okemosan Governor's Office, Abeokuta.
The press centre was built by governor Dapo Abiodun to immortalize Osoba, one the nation's doyens of journalism practice.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, veteran journalists such as Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, Dr. Reuben Abati, Niran Malaolu, Bayo Onanuga, Eddie Aina, Denora Badejo, Gbenga Adefaye and media executives who witnessed the inauguration of the building said it was a befitting honour bestowed on one of the founding fathers of journalism and lauded the Governor for the gesture.
... Abiodun Has Added Hours, May Be Years To My Life span
The octogenarian declared that the incumbent governor Abiodun has added more values to his life span by naming the newly constructed Press Center after him.
He said it was a thing of joy that after the first 16 years of political turbulence, he could now return to Okemosan Governor's Office in a glorious manner.
He noted that the naming of Press Centre after him has erased his 16 years of traumatic period after leaving office, describing the honour as "emotional".
"I feel very emotional because I left office 18 years ago and the first 16 years have been so traumatic as I never came back home. But to imagine that I am alive and my return to this place will be glorious is indeed, emotional to me.
"Mr. Governor, you may not know, but I must confess that you have added more to my lifespan; it could be hours, it could be days and it could be years. The first 8 years, I was declared a personae non grata, but that is settled now. The following 8 years was so problematic," Osoba said.
... Says God, Not Osoba, Made Abiodun Governor.
He also declared that God that made Prince Dapo Abiodun governor of Ogun State and not man.
Osoba explained that Dapo Abiodun was not an aspirant of APC in the build up to the 2019 governorship race but God who works in a mysterious way, brought him forward afterwards and made him Governor.
He said that he(Osoba) was merely a part of the process through which God deployed to make Abiodun the governor of Ogun State.
"I didn't produce Governor Dapo Abiodun, but God produced him as governor for you in Ogun State. Let me make it clear because Bayo Onanuga was thanking me for giving Dapo Abiodun to Ogun. I didn't, God made him a governor. He was not one of our party's aspirant at the beginning but God's ways are always mysterious," he said.
Aremo Osoba lauded the governor Abiodun for the honour done him, noting " this singular action of yours has impacted positively on my life and will elongate my years on earth".
According to him, the naming of Press Centre after him has erased his 16 years of traumatic period after leaving office, describing the honour as "emotional".
Osoba, however, applauded the present administration for the improved infrastructural amenities in the state especially the completion of the Kuto Road, the ongoing reconstruction of Abeokuta-Sagamu road as well as completing other projects left behind by the immediate past administration.
Governor Abiodun Urges Journalists
To Eschew Sensational Reportage
In his address, Governor Dapo Abiodun tasked journalists in the country on the need to focus more on responsible and developmental journalism, and avoid sensational reportage as well peddling of unsubstantiated news, noting such is capable of causing crisis in the country.
The governor assured that his administration will continue to assist media practitioners in the discharge of their duties faithfully.
"Please be responsible in your reportage. Don't sensationalise; promote things that will bring peace to the country. On our part, we will continue to work with the media for nation building", Abiodun noted.
While thanking the media practitioners for the support being given to his administration, the governor explained that the Press Centre is named after the former governor of the state, as a demonstration of the commitment of the incumbent government to press freedom and in appreciation of the cordial relationship his administration enjoys with the media.
Describing former Governor Osoba as a "nationalist and an achiever", Abiodun said he will always be remembered for using journalism to contribute to nation building rather than divide it.
He further stated that Osoba's exemplary contributions to journalism had helped him to attain a greater heights in politics, urging media practitioners to emulate the professionalism demonstrated by the former governor.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Abdulwaheed Odusile, described Osoba as a good ambassador and divine gift to the journalism profession, saying "the veteran journalist is a household name known for his exploit in the media world".
Odusile, who eulogised the former governor for taking part in the fight to enthrone democracy in the country, equally praised him for vigorously pursuing grassroots development during his tenure as the governor of the state between 1999 and 2003.
The Commissioner added that the Press Centre built by the state government to appreciate journalists for their support and to make their job easier.
In his goodwill message, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, noted that journalism was about touching people's lives, saying Osoba is a man of integrity who has affected people's lives positively in the course of carrying out his professional duties.
The Olota of Ota, Oba Abdul-Kabir Obanlege, acknowledged Chief Osoba as a great teacher who was always looking out for the welfare of his colleagues.
Former Presidential spokeperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, noted that Ogun State has produced top class journalists who played important role in the development of Nigeria in general and Ogun State in particular.
He described the achievements of the former governor as "legendary", noting "Chief Osoba is man who distinguished himself as a journalist per excellence and an astute politician whose administrative acumen helped in the transformation of the rural areas of the state."
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