Tinubu, Adeleke celebrate media icon Shola Oshunkeye at 70
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have congratulated veteran journalist and publisher, Shola Oshunkeye, on his 70th birthday. They described him as a steadfast voice in
- President, Osun governor laud his courage, contributions to journalism
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have congratulated veteran journalist and publisher, Shola Oshunkeye, on his 70th birthday.
They described him as a steadfast voice in the pursuit of truth and a significant contributor to the growth of journalism in Nigeria and across Africa.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Oshunkeye’s enduring commitment to democratic ideals, noting his role in the struggle for the restoration of democracy and accountable governance in Nigeria.
Oshunkeye, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, has had a distinguished career spanning several decades, during which he held key editorial and leadership positions in notable media organisations.
He served as Editor of Weekend Concord, Senior Associate Editor at TELL Magazine, General Editor at The Sun Group, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Ghana Limited, and later as President/Chief Executive Officer of The Crest Online.
President Tinubu highlighted Oshunkeye’s unrelenting pursuit of truth, recalling that his investigative work earned him continental recognition as the 2006 CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year.
The President particularly referenced Oshunkeye’s award-winning report, titled: “Niger’s Graveyard of the Living,” noting that it underscored his courage and dedication to impactful journalism.
“As he turns 70, President Tinubu rejoices with Chief Oshunkeye and wishes him many more years of fruitful service to Nigeria and humanity,” the statement added.
Also, in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described Oshunkeye as an international journalist who has brought honour to Osun State, Nigeria, and Africa.
The governor recalled the great works and sacrificial services that Oshunkeye, an indigene of Ilesa in Osun State, has rendered to Nigeria and humanity.
He referenced Oshunkeye’s roles in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993, pan-Nigerian mandate given to Basorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and the eventual achievement of democratic governance in 1999.
Across Nigeria’s borders, Governor Adeleke said Oshunkeye is on record as one of the international journalists to travel to the Niger Republic in 2005 to draw the world’s attention to the humanitarian disaster in the country. The country was devastated by the worst drought and famine in modern history, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of children and livestock.
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Oshunkeye’s moving story, published by TELL magazine and titled: “Niger’s Graveyard of The Living,” won for the great writer the overall prize of CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year 2006.
Born in Ilesa, Osun State, on April 20, 1956, Oshunkeye, after a glorious career in the civil service, began his journalism odyssey in 1989 at the Concord Press of Nigeria, owned by the late Basorun MKO Abiola, and was attached to the great Weekend Concord, Nigeria’s first Saturday tabloid, with the legendary Mike Awoyinfa as pioneer Editor.
The governor recalled that 10 years later, Oshunkeye succeeded Awoyinfa, his boss and mentor, as Editor of the highly successful tabloid; a testimony to his diligence, perseverance, industry, consistency and resolute commitment to society’s advancement in all ramifications.
At TELL magazine, Oshunkeye made his mark as a crack investigative journalist. He was later posted to Abuja as the magazine’s Bureau Chief and State House Correspondent, where he covered Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Presidency between 2001 and 2005.
“It is because of his meritorious service to the nation that my good people of Osun State and I celebrate this amazing son of Ijesaland, and congratulate his wife, Funsho, and their beautiful children, on this landmark,” Governor Adeleke said, adding: “Oshunkeye is a precious gift to us in Osun State. May the good Lord continue to preserve him and bless him and his family.”
