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•President lauds awards-winning journalist’s roles in democracy, truth pursuit
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, Governor of Osun State, Ademola Jackson Adeleke and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi, have celebrated media icon and veteran journalist, Chief Shola Oshunkeye,
as he joins the distinguished league of Septuagenarians, praising his pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, accountable governance, and the growth of journalism across Africa.
To commemorate his 70th anniversary, a colloquium and book launch will be held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Ikeja on Thursday.
In a State House press release issued yesterday by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu, congratulated Oshunkeye, the 2006 CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year overall winner, for his “unrelenting pursuit of truth.”
He highlighted Oshunkeye’s landmark investigative report, Niger’s Graveyard of the Living, which earned him the prestigious award.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Chief Shola Oshunkeye as he turns 70 on April 20, 2026,” the statement read.
Governor Adeleke, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, described Oshunkeye, as a precious gift to Osun State, noting that as an international journalist, he has brought honour to Osun State, Nigeria and Africa.
The governor recalls the great works and sacrificial service that Oshunkeye, an indigene of Ilesa, 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 MKO Abiola, and the eventual achievement of democratic governance in 1999.
Across Nigeria’s borders, Oshunkeye is on record as one of the international journalists to travel to 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.
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.
Ten 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 I and my good people of Osun State 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.”
In his goodwill message, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, described his attainment of 70 years as a compelling story of purpose, resilience and impactful service.
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The statement he personally signed read: “It is a testimony of a man who has devoted his life to the power of media, the discipline of communication, and the responsibility of shaping public narratives with integrity and professionalism.
“Your remarkable journey in journalism and media practice reflects consistency, passion, brilliance, and excellence.
“Over the years, you have established and positioned yourself as a seasoned media professional, publisher, and communications strategist, intellectual acumen contributing meaningfully to the development and growth of credible journalism and digital media engagement in Nigeria and beyond.
“Your leadership as the Managing Director of Crest Online Social Media stands as a bold expression of creativity, innovation and foresight.
“Through your Crest Online Social Media, you have amplified voices, strengthened public discourse, and provided a reliable channel for information dissemination in an increasingly competitive digital world.
“Your work continues to reflect clarity of purpose, editorial discipline, and an unwavering commitment to truth and relevance.
“Your career has been marked by notable professional recognition within media and publishing circles, reflecting your dedication to excellence and your enduring influence in journalism practice.
“Your name has become associated with credibility, media responsibility, and impactful storytelling.
“Within the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA), your presence is deeply valued. You have remained a committed member whose contributions to communication, publicity, and information management continue to strengthen the visibility and effectiveness of ICDA’s developmental vision and initiatives.
“Your role as a key stakeholder of the Media and Publicity Committee for my 70th birthday celebration remains highly memorable and commendable.
“Through Crest Online Social Media, you deployed your expertise with precision and professionalism, ensuring wide publicity and meaningful projection of the guest-focused 70th birthday event.
“Your effort significantly contributed to the success, reach, and dignified presentation of the celebration.
“Your life today stands as a bridge between experience and legacy; between what has been achieved and what continues to inspire others.
“As you mark this milestone, I honour you not only for the years you have lived, but for the impact you have made, the values you represent, and the legacy you continue to build.
May your new chapter be filled with renewed strength, good health, greater wisdom, and continued relevance in service to humanity and the media profession.”
A Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Oshunkeye held key editorial roles including 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 President/CEO of The Crest Online.
