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Tag: Segun Osoba

  • Osoba explains why his administration prioritised education over funding pilgrimages

    Osoba explains why his administration prioritised education over funding pilgrimages

    Barely 22 years after leaving office, former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba, has explained why his administration focused on supporting the education sector rather than funding Muslim and Christian pilgrimages.

    Osoba said that between 1999 and 2003, many pupils were bringing chairs and desks from home, and a significant number could not sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) because their parents could not afford the fees.

    “Instead of spending millions on religious pilgrimages, we decided it was better to support education by providing chairs and desks and paying WAEC fees to ease the burden on students and their families,” he said.

    The APC national leader made these remarks on Sunday after being decorated as a Life Vice Patron of the Abeokuta Club. Former Nestlé Nigeria CEO, Segun Osunkeye, was also honoured with the same recognition.

    READ ALSO; By 2026, countries will be borrowing from Nigeria— First Lady declares

    Osoba further noted that his administration relied entirely on the state’s workforce to execute projects, highlighting rural electrification, rural road construction, and the Abeokuta Hilltop Housing Estate as key achievements. He described the estate as “perhaps the most expensive, most secure, and best estate today.”

    “I never brought anyone from outside the state to work with me—not even a messenger. The modest successes recorded during my administration were all thanks to our civil servants, including technocrats who were part of the service,” he said.

    Reflecting on his Abeokuta Club honour, the octogenarian elder statesman described it as the “greatest honour” he had received and expressed fulfillment at being celebrated by his own community.

  • Dr Segun Osoba: My highly reverred teacher at 90

    Dr Segun Osoba: My highly reverred teacher at 90

    In a short commendation to the  award winning journalist, Bola Bolawole, after reading his beautiful tribute to Dr Segun Osoba on his 90th birthday anniversary this past week, I wrote:”Bola thanks for this article in honour of my Number One,  absolutely incomperable Teacher, Dr Segun Osoba. That I didn’t keep up my relationship with him is a shame I will never be able to explain”.

    As if he knew how   tortured I have been for years, that is, since I missed the appointment I had with the late Professor  Abubakar Momoh, who visits Dr Osoba regularly, to break the ice by visiting together with him, Bola replied: “E se pupo sir! You can still do sir!”.

    That hit me like a rubber bullet.

    Bola is right but he wrote so cavalierly  because he doesn’t know how very dearly Dr Osoba held me.

    He not only considered me among the top ten percent of all the students he ever taught, he so believed in me that he, and his late bosom friend, Mr Sesan Dipeolu of blessed memory, the University of Ife Librarian, very confidently recommended me, behind my back I must add, to their friend and University of Ibadan classmate, Mr S.J Okudu, then Registrar, University of Ibadan, to look no further for the Administrative officer the University Council had mandated him to headhunt to come and drive the preparations for the University’s humongous 25th Anniversary due November 17, 1973.

    Leaving the University of Ife Vice- Chancellor’s office, where I was assisting Mr GJO Adegbite, Professor Oluwasanmi’s Executive Assistant, on account of that introduction, was hell. Indeed, so bad did the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Professor A. A. Adegbola take it that the University ensured I forfeited an Association of African Universities’ scholarship, contested for by all First class and Second class (Upper) graduates on the staff of the University, to undertake a Masters degree programme at the University of Legon, Ghana. To put it mildly, that event changed my entire life trajectory.

    But that is a matter for another day.

    Suffice it to say, however, that Dr Osoba had, even long before that, said he had ‘lost me the day I went into University administration rather than academics’, after graduating on top of my faculty.

    Fortunately, he couldn’t have felt the loss much because, pretty soon, many of his former students, the likes of  the world reputed Professor Toyin Falola, would soon start shining like a thousand stars in the academic world.

    In my own little corner, however, I continued to regret the literal separation because nothing would have been greater for me than being right there under his academic wings.

    An example would put this in perspective.

    About two weeks ago, I finished proofreading the Galleyproof of my book: ‘Simply A Citizen Journalist’, my  would – be magnum opus, to be formally presented, by the grace of God later in the year, only to realise that Dr Osoba, a man who so infinitely impacted my life, did not feature as much as I would have liked.

    To my chagrin, the only other reference to him, other than the one already mentioned, is  in the article ‘Re:

    Azikiwe and The Unifying Question’, of November 25, 2012  from which the following quote is culled:

    “Chief Olabode George, a one time PDP poster boy in the South West, is a colourful politician, any day. He has, since his return from abroad about a fortnight ago, a non event really, but which witnessed the usual uniform – wearing ensemble, massed again at the Lagos International Airport to welcome home the man whose generosity to the party’s womenfolk as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority was legendary.

    He has since taken off from where he left, keen this time on winning back some lost ground in a party which former President Olusegun Obasanjo has predicted may soon be history in Lagos State”.

    Read Also: Aremo Segun Osoba @ 80 – recollections of a reporter

    “Bode George and I were contemporaries in the Nigerian university system, he at the University of Lagos, and I at Ife, at a time when it was trendy to be involved in student activism and we both were.

    But more germane to this piece is the fact that we had a particular teacher in common, he while at Ijebu Ode Grammar School, and I, at the University of Ife. And that happens to be my most admired university teacher ever: Dr Segun Osoba, the clear-headed socialist scholar per excellence, who

    taught my Philosophy of History as well as Diplomatic History, and would later pair with Dr Bala Usman, another equally hard-headed radical historian, now of blessed memory, to author a minority report on the 1975-76 Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC)”.

    “I imagine that till today, Dr Osoba sees George as a witheringly brilliant person. Unfortunately, beyond the fluidity of his language in the referenced article , I searched in vain for his brilliance, or the cold logic you would have ordinarily expected in a critique of that nature.You read the article, especially his suggestions, and all you find is a Bode George desperately running away from his shadows; from the essential Bode George Nigerians have come to know  so well  as the actualiser of Obasanjo’s convoluted, swashbuckling, military-like, vice- grip on South-Western Nigeria …”.

    I ought to have done far better in a book authored by me in respect of a teacher who, without a scintilla of doubt, had the greatest impact on me intellectually, especially as a member of the Socialist Discussion Group which he co- founded with Mr Dipeolu and to which only very few of us, students belonged.

    Born January 9, 1935

    Dr Osoba attended Saint Saviour’s Primary Scool, Ijebu – Ode and Ijebu- Ode Grammar School from where he proceeded to the Nigerian College of Arts and Science, the University of Ibadan and Moscow State University where he obtained his Ph.D in 1967, in that order.

    On his return from the Soviet Union, he joined the University of Ife, Ile – Ife, where our paths crossed.

    Dr Osoba has taught several generations of students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, researched and supervised hundreds of Masters and Ph.D students, especially in his core areas of: Philosophy and Methodology of History, History of Russia, both the Czarist Era as well as The Age of Revolution, History of European International Relations, African Political Thoughts in the 19th and 20th Centuries, the Politics of Decolonisation in Africa and Nigerian History in the 19th and 20th Centuries.

    I will never forget that of all the 6 subjects in which I earned ‘A’ in my final  degree examination, I worked the hardest in his  Philosophy and Methodology of History, and the History of European International relations(Diplomatic History). In Dr Osoba’s class, you simply had no alternative.

    A highly renowned historian and academic, Dr Osoba  reached a milestone birthday this past week, celebrating 90 years of life, learning, and legacy. As a former student, I cannot be happier  paying this tribute to one so absolutely deserving.

    As a teacher, his students, like many of his colleagues, considered him unparalleled. His passion for history was infectious, and his ability to make complex historical events look easy, and accessible to his students, despite the turgid language of Philosophy, for instance, seemed to me a gift of nature. He had a unique way of bringing history to life, making it relevant and engaging. His classes were always lively and interactive but always focussed on encouraging critical thinking and solid analysis, backed with facts.

     Looking back now, one of the very important lessons I learned from him was the importance of understanding the past in order to appreciate the present, with a view to shaping the future. He taught us that history is not just a series of dates and events, but a rich tapestry of human experiences, cultures, and traditions. He instilled in us a sense of pride and appreciation for our African heritage; something he considered a must, if we would ever escape the persistent struggle to shake off colonialism, especially its mental variety.

    He has been both mentor, and inspiration, to many young historians and scholars, providing guidance and support as they navigate their academic careers.

    As should be expected of such an intellectual giant,  his impact extends far beyond the classroom.

    He was such a persistent, and indeed, a leading voice for the emancipation of the Nigerian masses that the Federal Government could not help having him, as well as his razor chap, fellow historian, Dr Bala Usman, amongst the 50 wise men it appointed to write a new constitution for the country.

    To nobody’s surprise, both he and Dr Usman, of the 50, wrote a minority report which, had it been adopted by government would have completely changed the history of this country from the present “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop”, to one of equity, egalitarianism and rule of law.

    But they treated the minority report with benign neglect and left the  Nigerian masses permanently marooned in a devastating struggle for survival.

    Dr Osoba can justifiably say he has done his best for his country. His legacy will continue to inspire, and nurture coming generations.

    I am fortunate to have had the privilege of  learning from under his feet.

    And on behalf of all my classmates, who were blessed to be tutored by you, Sir, I say:

    Happy birthday and many happy returns.

  • For Aremo Segun Osoba: Between pressmanship and statesmanship

    On his divine promotion to the rank of octogenarians, Aremo Segun Osoba deserves our heart-heart congratulations and every best wish for the years ahead. For he continues to be a jolly good fellow, respectable and respected for his integrity and dignified presence. Osoba exemplifies some of the best traditions of pressmanship and statesmanship, that this country has experienced.

    Straddling the world of pressmanship or journalism and statesmanship is indeed a rare privilege that a few before him, all pioneers of our nationalist struggle, were privileged to experience. I am sure that Aremo would be the first to admit the indispensability of the trail they blazed for the success of determined efforts like his. As we celebrate his achieving the enviable status of an elder statesman, it is worth exploring again the requirements for the successful interaction between pressmanship and statesmanship.

    Interestingly, the mystery of life is sometimes displayed in spectacular ways for our edification provided we pay careful attention. This is my metaphysical interpretation of why, twice this past week, the loaded phrase, “pulse of the nation” came up in national discourse in quite unrelated circumstances.

    First, in a moment of anguish over his disappointment on the Supreme Court decision in the Osun State governorship election petition, PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar pleaded with the judiciary to feel the pulse of the nation as they do their work of dispensing justice. It was an odd plea, which not only second-guessed the highest court, but also solicited a criterion of justice that is detrimental to justice. Second, in his congratulatory message on Aremo Osoba’s birthday, former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) appreciatively revealed to the nation how the celebrant helped his administration to understand the pulse of the nation as they contemplated policies and actions.

    One of the two usages was right, the other wrong. The job of a reporter is to expose the state of the nation without fear or favor. Politicians and administrators may, of course, foolishly decide not to be bothered or they may wisely be guided by the counsel of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. They may characterize the reports they hate as fake news and recoil to their cocoons where falsehood abides. Or they may wisely separate the wheat of good reporting from the chaff of political babble. However, elected officials feeling the pulse of the nation as presented by journalists guided by the ethics of the profession is a veritable means to good statesmanship.

    Now, of course, IBB’s revelation is interesting for what it fails to admit. How trusting was he of good journalistic reporting? How did it guide him in the runup to the adoption of IMF’s SAP? And most significantly, how did media reporting and editorials influence his political agenda between 1986 and 1993? And how was his position swayed by reporting on the runup to the annulment of the presidential election of June 1993?

    Turning to the other usage which demands that, in rendering their verdicts on electoral disputes, judges feel the pulse of the nation, we might ask, how appropriate is it in the context? Does the judiciary have a legal or moral responsibility to feel the pulse of the nation when contemplating such a judicial decision?

    This is obviously a situation in which reality sometimes negates the ideal. Judges are supposed to base their judgement on the facts of the case and the law. By a deduction from the law and the facts, they are to make judicial decisions, not minding where the chips fall. So why demand that judges feel the pulse of the nation as if they are to be influenced by the trending opinion? Sounding unconstitutional and immoral, the demand reflects a state of mind that has dominated republican systems of government for far too long. It is certainly not limited to our clime as we find similar reasonings and actions even in developed climes. There are two categories.

    First, judges and justices are members of dynamic societies. Social change affects their thinking and their decisions on crucial matters of law. While precedents are supposedly sacred and inviolable, occasions sometimes arise when they are overridden. Thirty years ago, anti-sodomy laws were well-established across the United States. Over the years, however, the society has moved on from criminalizing sexual relationships between consenting adults. The justices fell in line and same-sex marriage is now legal, affirming social influence on judicial decision.

    Second, in political systems where judges are appointed by politicians based on their ideological orientations, the reality of political influence on judicial decisions cannot be ruled out. Indeed, it is one of the dark spots on the judiciary because it leaves it vulnerable to accusations of political bias. This is why there is so much political turmoil in judicial nominations in the United States.

    In the Nigerian system, a non-political body, National Judicial Council, is responsible for the screening and recommendation of judges for nomination by the President to the Senate for confirmation. This, in addition to an independent power of the purse, is as close to judicial independence as it can be, reducing the chance of political pressure or ideological bias in judicial decision making.

    Despite the above references to external influences on the judiciary, there are special areas where judicial decisions must be completely above board and free from any external influence. Such is the case with judicial decisions of election disputes. Since such disputes are almost always about who wins or loses an election, requiring judges to feel the pulse of the nation begs an important question: which nation? Where there is a contention between political parties with membership across the nation, which party is more representative and therefore more deserving of consideration in the pulse-feeling activity of the courts?

    Sadly, we had an ignoble past in these matters when the courts had done precisely what Turaki Adamawa is apparently urging them to revisit. Recall the Treasonable Felony case against Chief Awolowo and others, and the metaphor of tied hands. Or, more poignantly, the 1979 presidential election Supreme Court judgement and the insistence that it must not be used as a precedent for future decisions. Those were moments we would rather forget.

    Read Also: Clark tackles Osoba for denigrating Confab Report

    For the confluence of pressmanship and statesmanship to have a positive impact on national progress, two related requirements are essential. First is ethical pressmanship, imbued with a desire for truth and justice towards national greatness. Second is a responsible leadership, committed to the pursuit of national greatness. Armed with progressive national policies, such a leadership will take advantage of the work of the free press, in the understanding that leadership is not infallible. In turn, benefiting from such a respectful relationship, the press becomes more and more responsible, a win-win outcome for the nation.

    In the fiery days of anti-colonial struggles, such a respectful relationship was out of the question because there was no common cause between the national press with a focus on independence and the colonial state, with a determination for continuous domination. Notwithstanding General Babangida’s spin, military rule was only slightly different. Being indigenous dictators did not really endear the military to the people, and the press, as people’s eyes and ears, knew this. Thus, many journalists also suffered the consequences of their defiance of military regimes over the years. A democracy should be different and the freedom of the press to investigate and report on the truth regarding the state of the nation should be of tremendous value to the statesman in the pursuit of the good of the nation.

    As his memoir, Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics, demonstrates, for more than fifty years, Aremo Osoba straddles both worlds of pressmanship and statesmanship. In both, he excels in his stand for truth and justice. When the world of politics tested his resolve for justice, he responded as any respectable human being would. But, then, as a gentleman, knowing that in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, he accepted the counsel of reconciliation and he reconsidered at the right time. And he had the last laugh!

    Happy 80th Birthday, Aremo. Igba odun, odun kan.

     

     

     

  • IBB greets Osoba at 80

    Former military president Ibrahim Babangida has eulogized former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba at 80, describing him as a “civilian general”, who has the “knack for unraveling the unknown”.

    Babangida also described the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain as a press officer, who knows so well how to cultivate friendships across tribes and religions to derive happiness, even from a gloomy situation.

    The ex-military president stated this in a letter he personally signed and sent to Osoba to celebrate his 80th birthday anniversary.

    Babangida noted that the octogenarian is imbued with various talents for solving hard situations.

    According to Babangida, Osoba is one of the few Nigerians who are not concerned about the tribe one belongs to before reporting credible information.

    Read Also: IBB: The lonely long distance runner

    He also extolled the virtues of former Managing Director of Daily Times and later The Sketch as one who practised the journalism profession with credibility and diligence when technology was still a huge challenge.

    Babangida stated: “As young minds in those days, we socialised maximally without thinking about tribe or religion. We made good use of our prime and ensured that we left no stone unturned.

    “Even as military officers, we had good company in our ‘bloody’ civilians who complimented our networks. Chief Osoba was one of such ‘civilian generals’ who knew so well how to cultivate friendship and derive happiness from a seemingly gloomy situation.

    “He has a knack for unraveling the unknown. When we needed to feel the pulse of the nation, Chief Osoba became handy. He was more like a bridge between us and the people.

    “Despite being ‘stubborn’ with extremely brilliance, he has a boss that understands his ‘wiles’ and ‘tricks’, both in letter and spirit. All credit must go to his wife of quintessential orientation and unknown humility. Her ability to manage Osoba’s excesses till date deserves more than a golden award and a standing ovation.”

     

  • APC leaders pleaded for my return – Osoba

    APC leaders pleaded for my return – Osoba

    Former Governor Olusegun Osoba on Tuesday said the public misconstrued what happened at his Bourdilon home, Ikoyi – Lagos, last Sunday when the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest met.

    In attendance at the meeting included the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule and former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

    Others are former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure and Senator Gbenga Obadara and ex – Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun.

    But Governor Ibikunle Amosun, his Deputy, Princess Yetunde Onanuga and leaders of the Party in Ogun State were visibly absent and no explanation given for their absence.

    Osoba who broke his silence on the matter, said while people kept saying that he hosted the Southwest leaders of APC in his home since the news of the meeting broke; the truth of the matter was that it was them that came to plead with him to return to the APC family.

    The Akirogun of Egbaland who made this known in his remarks at the public presentation of the book: Alake of Egbaland, in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, and vaguely blamed the press for the public misconception.

    The 127 page book bearing Five chapters, was authored by the foremost Egba politician and industrialist, Chief Alani Bankole, popularly called Caterpillar and was reviewed by the pioneer Vice – Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Prof. Olukayode Oyesiku.

    Osoba noted that the pleading by the APC leaders in Yorubaland for him to return to the progressive fold have been on and still continued, adding that two prominent traditional rulers had also lend their voices  in that direction.

    The ex – governor said the occasion of the book launch was not a time for political speech making, adding that it is better left for a later date in future.

    And in a brief encounter with the press shortly after launching the book with half a million naira, Osoba said he is a founding member of APC and would remain a progressive politician till the end of his sojourn on earth.

     

  • Osoba back in APC as leaders resolve differences

    Osoba back in APC as leaders resolve differences

    The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South West, met in Lagos on Sunday and restated their commitment to work together to move the country and the region forward.

    Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who spoke with journalists shortly after the meeting held at the Ikoyi residence of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said the leadership of the party in the region have resolved their differences and are more than ever ready to pursue an agenda for development of the region.

    “We have resolved all the differences within the leadership and as such we are happy to tell the world that the leadership of progressive politics in Western part of Nigeria is united and ready to jointly prosecute the agenda for growth, purposeful leadership, development, good governance in the Western part of Nigeria.

    “As we are committed to doing that for the entire nation and through that support the effort at the national level to revive the Nigerian economy and put the people in a better stead than we inherited when our party took over governance in Nigeria,” Aregbesola stated.

    Aregbesola expressed optimism that good governance and purposeful leadership can trigger the desired change, which according to him will not only profit Nigeria, but also the African continent and the black race.

    “I have told you very clearly that the progressive leadership of the Yoruba race is now fully united and are ready and charged to lead our efforts to reposition our land and integrate with others nationwide to put Nigeria in its proper footing,” Aregbesola said.

    Aregbesola announced that Aremo Osoba had rejoined the APC from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    “There was a time when Osoba switched to another party, he was a foundation member of the APC and he was in the APC throughout my election. Yes, he was for a time with the SDP, but with what we have just done today, Akinrogun Osoba, the Aremo himself, is back with the Progressive leadership of the Yoruba race”.

    Those in attendance at the meeting included the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Olusegun; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure and Senator Gbenga Obadara

  • I’m not competing with Osoba – Amosun

    I’m not competing with Osoba – Amosun

    Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, on Friday said he would do everything within his power to settle the rift between him and the state former governor, Chief Segun Osoba.

    He also appealed to the elders and people of Ogun State to help him beg the ex – governor for forgiveness if he has done anything wrong.

    Amosun said he is neither in “competition with Osoba” whom he called his “leader” or anybody, adding that he would continue to accord him utmost respect.

    The Governor, who spoke during a live programme of the Abeokuta – based Rock-City 101.9 FM radio station and monitored by The Nation, said the office of governor is temporary, adding that he has come to develop the state and then leave a legacy that would outlive him.

    According to Amosun, he is not ignorant of the fact that no politician would want to go into the general election with a divided house or in atmosphere of division and acrimony as such rarely profit anybody.

    He said the state’s  debt profile which stood at about N40 billion last month has crashed to N36 billion, saying Ogun is not owing N300 billion as reported by “mischievous persons”  who are out to put wool over the eyes of residents and friends of the state.

    He said: “The opposition said we have borrowed over N300 billion to finance our projects, they are just liars, no bank in Nigeria can lend any government more than N25 billion. What they don’t know is we have increased our Internally Generated Revenue to more than N5 billion monthly from the N730 million we met.”

     

     

  • If Segun Osoba had failed…

    If Segun Osoba had failed…

    When Sir Alex Ferguson was retiring as the manager of English football giants Manchester United after a remarkably unprecedented term spanning 27 years, he handpicked fellow Scot David Moyes to succeed him. Moyes was a middling figure, alien to trophy-winning ways. His years at Everton were barren, neither capping the season with laurels nor moving the club into Europe’s lucrative Champions League glare.

    How the departing coach and the Malcolm Glazer family that owns Man United expected Moyes to succeed the success of the old Scot would remain a debate for a long time to come. For, to consummate a succession, the successor must either sustain the good work of his predecessor or surpass it. We can’t talk of a transition as a fait accompli if upon the handover of a baton, we observe a drop in fortunes in the state of affairs.

    We may describe what Ferguson did as a radical shot. But alas Moyes did not follow up by radicalizing the club, by properly connecting and converting Ferguson’s move into thunderous medal-gathering goals Man United was use to. He failed and paid the supreme penalty: an embarrassing sack!

    Here in Nigeria years ago, it was not so with one professional godfather and his protégé. In the 70s when it was time for Alhaji Babatunde Jose to make changes at Daily Times Nigeria Limited (DTN), where he was the lordly chairman and Editor-in-Chief, he took quite earth-shaking steps that saw him bring in Segun Osoba his godson as the editor of Daily Times, the company’s influential flagship, bypassing others perceived as deserving of the office.

    There were other appointments. But it was the unfortunate chain reaction to  Osoba’s that sparked the inferno that eventually consumed Daily Times.Godfather Jose meant well for godson Osoba and the newspaper group, just as Ferguson did for Moyes and Man United. I don’t think there is any doubt about this.

    The ball would always be in the court of the protégé to play, not in the court of the godfather. Moyes let down his benefactor most woefully and gave rise to mischievous remarks questioning Ferguson’s skills in boardroom decisions.

    It was not so in the case of Jose and Osoba, although we have an apt analogy in two godfathers influencing the upward positioning of their mentees.

    Jose did what he believed was right for the DTN group, with his mind far into the future, even if the changes he put through were thought to be punitive. Given the success he had achieved for DTN, he reasoned this could only be maintained by someone like him. That future could only be guaranteed by Osoba who had proved highly successful through his industry, discipline, professionalism and loyalty in his work as a reporter and editor, following in the footsteps of Jose.

    Even when Jose had left Daily Times group and the government of the day wanted to reorganize the media house, they approached Jose. This is what the godfather said about what transpired: “…in advising on the reorganization of the Daily Times, the man my mind went to was Segun Osoba as managing director. And I could justify it. I made him editor of the Daily Times and some people said it was a hazy, hasty decision. He did for a while. Then another publishing organization, though smaller in size, the Herald, appointed him general manager at a stage when they were just developing. He built up the company. Then the Sketch wanted the man. He also developed the Sketch and turned it into a profitable company. So, I said time had proved me right. Of the young people I knew, worked with or groomed at the Daily Times, Segun is a man who has proved himself and proved me right. I recommended him and he was appointed managing director of the Daily Times. As managing director I think he took after me”.

    Jose speaks in radiant terms about Osoba because the latter succeeded as a journalist, manager and governor. So partly, Jose’s record as an acclaimed journalist and administrator stemmed from Osoba’s success. Viewed from the reverse, if Osoba had failed, he would have mired Jose as Moyes did Fergie.

    For Osoba to be seen as a remarkable professional he apparently needed to meet the expectations of both his mentor and those he worked for. But what was weightier: satisfying the mentor or your constituency (those you are accountable to)? I think both reflect one and the same pursuit: the mentee can only please his mentor by posting a good performance, this being the trademark of the successful mentor himself. There is only a change of personalities; there is no displacement of excellence. One good actor leaves the scene, expecting the incoming one to earn the applause of audience through his own outstanding achievements.

    This essay is a tribute to senior colleague, elder statesman and ex-governor Segun Osoba as he marks his birthday today. I am compelled to see him as the reappearance of the patriarch Ismail Babatunde Jose.

    Classical German philosopher of the 19th century Wilhelm Hegel said that great personalities in history appear twice, as it were. Several years later, Karl Marx, his compatriot of a more radical persuasion, ran a cynic’s post-script. According to him, Hegel forgot to add that when history so resonates, the first apparition is a tragedy and the second a farce.Jose wasn’t a tragedy; nor Osoba a farce.

    Happy birthday, Aremo Segun Osoba!

    • Ojewale is a media consultant and writer in Ota, Ogun State.

     

  • 2015: Obasanjo seeks prayers

    2015: Obasanjo seeks prayers

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said only God knows who will become leaders at various levels at different times.

    He urged Christians to keep “fasting and praying” for God to see the country through its challenges.

    Obasanjo said early in his life, even as a soldier, Nigeria witnessed many turbulent periods.

    According to him, while everybody thought the end had come, God, in his benevolence, saw Nigeria through its turmoil.

    The former President spoke in his Abeokuta, Ogun State mansion on Chief Segun Osoba Hill-Top, when the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), led by Dr Felix Omobude, visited him.

    Obasanjo was confident that regardless of what the present challenges of the country are, God will see Nigerians through.

    He said Nigeria is a “God’s project” and that the Almighty has kept the nation united, despite its war experience, among other challenges.

    Obasanjo said: “If there is anything that I would ask of you, it is that you should never stop fasting and praying for Nigeria. I always say I’m an incurable optimist about this country.

    “In my short span of life, I have seen a few unexpected things in this country, when we thought that the end would just happen. But God made us to scale through.

    “I personally never thought we would have a leader like (the late Gen. Sani) Abacha in this country. I was a victim (of his despotism) but God saw us through that situation.

    “There is no situation we see or worry about that God will not see us through. That is my belief and that is what gives me confidence. It gives me courage, it gives me the ability to work for the country’s unity.

    “No matter what is happening …all will be well. And those of you who believe all will be well for Nigeria should continue to shout Hallelujah. God has done it for us.”