Otitoju book picture
Babajide Kolade Otitoju, Veteran journalist and TVC News Director of News, presented his memoir, My Life and Journalists Hangout, to mark his 60th birthday.
The event drew top government officials, media professionals, and political figures, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading tributes to the seasoned broadcaster.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shettima praised Kolade-Otitoju for promoting a culture of critical engagement through his widely followed programme, Journalists Hangout. He urged the Nigerian media to collaborate with the government in strengthening democracy through constructive journalism and critical thinking.
According to the Vice President, societies risk collapse when ideas go unchallenged. He stressed that democracy thrives when journalists courageously interrogate policies and public discourse, warning that unchecked falsehood and weak scrutiny can erode institutions and public trust.
“The media, at its finest, is not a theatre of noise but a republic of conscience,” Shettima said, describing Kolade-Otitoju as a professional who has consistently resisted intellectual complacency and upheld reason in public engagement.
He further hailed the celebrant as a “living template of democratic courage,” noting that sustaining integrity, relevance, and intellectual vitality over decades in journalism is a rare achievement.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the media for its patriotic contributions to national development and democratic consolidation.
In his review of the book, Prof. Kyari Mohammed described the nine-chapter memoir as an outstanding account of Kolade-Otitoju’s journey through print and broadcast journalism, as well as his insights into politics and governance. He recommended the book to policymakers, journalists, and administrators.
Former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Danladi Bako, also paid tribute, describing Kolade-Otitoju as a courageous professional and expressing appreciation to the Vice President for honouring journalists.
Other dignitaries who sent goodwill messages included Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare; AIT anchor Gbenga Aruleba; Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; and several state governors, including Umo Eno, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kefas Agbu, Usman Ododo, and Babagana Zulum.
Others include the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga; and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke.
The celebration highlighted Kolade-Otitoju’s enduring impact on Nigerian journalism and his role in shaping public discourse through decades of incisive analysis and commitment to truth.
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Source: The Verdict/ TVC/You Tube
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