Family, Friends, political associates and professional colleagues gathered to honour veteran journalist, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem at the launch of his book “REPORTER.”
Among the professional colleagues was the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who expressed profound memory of how he met thebveteran journalist.
Emphasising their longstanding professional relationship that spans over 43 years at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter, Iyaganku, Ibadan, during the book launch, Oyelade shared anecdotes from their early days in journalism, highlighting Kareem’s significant contributions to the field and his pivotal role in shaping the journalism landscape in Nigeria.
Oyelade recalled that while many of them joined the Television Service of Oyo State around March 1982, Kareem, a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Lagos, was already making an impact at the Nigerian Tribune.
According to him, their paths crossed again in early 1985 when both were elected to the Executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Oyo State, with Oyelade serving as Vice-chairman and Kareem as State Secretary.
During this time, the commissioner, who said Oyo State encompassed the present-day Osun State, praised Kareem’s dedication and loyalty during his tenure, noting that despite his voluntary resignation as Vice-chairman for personal reasons, Kareem completed his first term and was re-elected for another term amid stiff opposition.
Oyelade described Kareem as a loyal team player whose hard work contributed to the successes of the NUJ leadership.
He highlighted Kareem’s significant role in historic interventions at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) in the mid-80s, including the establishment of the NUJ chapel at BCOS and the co-opting of the Ministry of Information into the NUJ
Oyelade remarked on the successful negotiations for better salary structures for journalists and recalled that the construction of the Dapo Aderogba Hall, where the event took place, began in 1992 during Kareem’s tenure as Commissioner for Works and Transport.
Expressing pride in his identity as a reporter, Oyelade stated, “I take pride in being referred to as a reporter because I started my professional life at the age of 25 as a reporter, and God helping me, I wish to end my life also as a reporter.”
His words: “While I voluntarily resigned for personal reasons as the Vice-chairman of NUJ at the time, Bolaji Kareem did not only run out his first term, he got re-elected for yet another term in spite of stiff opposition.”
“As secretary, he displayed an uncanny sense of duty and industry. He made the Press Centre his second home; you would always find him here.”
“He had a natural disposition for loyalty. He served Kanmi Ogunyemi, who was the Chairman, loyally and with abandon.”
“When Sehinde Dagunduro came on board to succeed Kanmi Ogunyemi as Chairman, Bolaji Kareem threw himself into the job.”
“He was a veritable team player. I can report that his unalloyed loyalty and hard work paved the way for the successes that the two regimes he served could lay claim to.”
“I remember that his vigor egged on other executive members to spearhead some historic interventions at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, of the mid 80s.”
“While management prevaricated, the NUJ executive of the period put its feet down and ensured the establishment of the NUJ chapel at the BCOS till today.”
“I also remember that in order to expand the Union, the Ministry of Information at the time was co-opted into the mainstream of NUJ and Mr Moses Adebisi Babalola, a management staff of the Ministry, became the first Chapel Chairman at the Ministry.”
“The NUJ at the time successfully negotiated better salary structure for Journalists including the Daily Sketch and the Nigerian Tribune.”
“It is not a coincidence that the construction of the Dapo Aderogba hall where we are today started in 1992 when Bolaji Kareem was the Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State.”
“I take pride in being referred to as a reporter because I started my professional life at the age of 25 as a reporter and God helping me, I wish to end my life also as a reporter.”
“This is one reason why the title of the book being publicly presented today resonates very well with me and I cannot wait to read it.”
The commissioner, however, conveyed his eagerness to read Kareem’s book and wished the author continued success in his professional life.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chief Host and Oyo State Chairman of the NUJ, Ademola Babalola, stated that the book has been conceptualised to enhance the intellectual power of journalism in Nigeria.
He asserted that both present and future journalists would find the book useful for developing their knowledge.
In his remark at the event, a legal practioner, Hamed Raji, SAN, represented by Hon. Saheed Adejare Alaran, described Kareem as a distinguished journalist, emphasising that the book would not only benefit the journalism profession but also the society at large, particularly students of journalism.
In a lecture titled “Journalism, Law and Politics,” Professor Adeola Akande discussed the critical role of journalism in keeping the society informed about governmental happenings.
He noted that journalism is regulated by law but highlighted the mutual relationship between the two, mentioning instances where media scrutiny led to accountability in the judiciary.
Akande asserted that journalism, law, and politics are interconnected fields, all aimed at promoting societal welfare.
He cited historical figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, emphasising that many impactful Nigerian politicians had backgrounds in journalism and law.
The book reviewer, Mr. Lekan Sote, praised Kareem as a fantastic writer, noting that the book is written in simple English that is accessible to all.
Other speakers, including former Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun and ace broadcaster Alagba, Banji Ojo, extolled the virtues of the author.
Barrister Oladokun expressed that the author’s commitment to excellence and integrity shines through in every word they write, inspiring and uplifting our community.
“The author’s commitment to excellence and integrity shines through in every word they write, inspiring and uplifting our community.” He said
Alagba Ojo on his own, remarked that in a world where stories often get lost, the author has the remarkable ability to weave narratives that resonate deeply, reminding people of their shared humanity.
During interviews with newsmen, the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Rasak Bisi Fadiran and former Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, commended Kareem for his positive impact in both journalism and politics, describing him as a role model for younger generations.
Notable personalities at the event included former Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Chief Adeola Oloko; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, also represented by the Oyo State Chairman of the League of Veteran Journalists, Mr. Banji Ogundele; renowned, Special Adviser and Chief Press Secretary to Governor’Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, legal icon, Barrister Niyi Akintola, SAN; and Oyo APC Guber aspirant, Barrister Akeem Agbaje
Others are, Hon. Egunjobi Modepoola, Chief Goke Oyetunji, Oyo APC Spokesperson,Hon Wasiu Sadare, former ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Yekeen Popoola, and a former Commissioner for Works in the state fondly called Azuzu, along with several other dignitaries and Kareem’s 1978 UNILAG classmates namely, Ayodeji Ajayi, Alhaji Hamed Adio, Mr Olalekan Sote, Mr Bamidele Ige, and Olusegun Ladipo among others.
Ends
