VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, are some of the dignitaries expected to grace the book launch in honour of Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Chido Onumah, Coordinator of Africa Centre for Media Information and Literacy (AFRICMIL).
The book, titled ‘Testimony to Courage’, is a collection of essays in honour of Olorunyomi’s accomplishments in Nigeria’s media sphere. It was edited by Chido Onumah and Frederick Adetiba, has over 90 contributions from a spectrum of Olorunyomi’s teachers, colleagues, associates and mentees.
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The date for the book launch is Monday, May 27, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Other dignitaries expected to grace the event include Chris Anyanwu, a serving member of the Nigerian Senate; Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, who will also deliver the keynote address, and Kabiru Yusuf, publisher of Daily Trust newspaper, who is expected to chair the occasion.
According to Onumah, “the book of essays was conceived after Olorunyomi’s 60th birthday in November 2017”.
“Among the contributors are Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Prof Biodun Jeyifo, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Prof Umaru Pate, Prof. Lai Oso, Femi Falana, SAN, Dare Babarinsa, Kunle Ajibade, Dr Sola Olorunyomi, and Dr. Tunde Akanni.
Others include Dr. Tobi Oluwatola, Dr. Kole Shettima, Jude Ilo, Abdul Mahmud, Lanre Idowu, Ibim Semenitari, Idowu Obasa, Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Richard Akinnola, Sunday Dare, Eze Anaba, Azu Ishiekwene, Owei Lakemfa, Oke Epia, Prof. Farooq Kperogi, Ohimai Godwin Amaize and Lara Owoeye-Wise.
“The book has a foreword by celebrated poet and author, Odia Ofeimun, and will be reviewed by Dr. Chidi Odinkalu.
“Dapo is a symbol of how through an independent media and vibrant civil society citizens can press for a better deal.
“The idea behind this book is to celebrate people while they are here with us. We feel that someone like Dapo who has sacrificed his all for us deserves to be honoured while alive.
“As readers will note in essay after essay, more than 90 persons came up with their individual testimonies about this man; his courage, integrity, dedication, selflessness and brilliance.”
Beyond the launch, the book would be made available throughout the country, and beyond, Chidoh stated.