James Emejo in Abuja
In an exciting upcoming event, notable individuals are poised to gather for the launch of two new books by Tunde Olusunle, a respected poet, journalist, and alumnus of the University of Ilorin. Among the distinguished guests will be Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo; and former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The books, titled “Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria” and “Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths,” are set to be unveiled on October 9, 2024, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. Mr. Bolaji Afolabi, a member of the Book Launch Media Committee, announced that Senator Akume will chair the event, with Governor Ododo serving as the chief host alongside several other dignitaries.
Ahmed, who graduated from the University of Ilorin nearly 40 years ago, is expected to lead a strong delegation from the university. This delegation will include influential figures such as Mr. Eniola Bello, Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers; Senator Fatai Buhari of Oyo North; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); and Olusegun Adekunle, former Permanent Secretary of the General Service Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Noteworthy attendees are also anticipated, including Tinuke Watti, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development; Nana Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service; and Prof. Yemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja.
The event is expected to attract prominent figures such as Dr. Victor Babatunde Adeniran, former Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Major Gen. Kayode Ogundele, ex-Director of Policy, Plans, and Research at the Defence Space Administration Agency; and Brig. Gen. John Obasa (rtd), former Director of Research and Development at Defence Industries in Kaduna.
Additionally, a number of legal dignitaries are set to attend, including Olusegun Ilori, Legal Adviser to Green Energy Limited; Eyitayo Fatogun SAN, Managing Partner at Awomolo and Awomolo Chambers; Femi Atoyebi SAN of OM, Atoyebi and Partners; and attorney and film producer Tunji Bamishigbin.
The guest list further includes Mr. Babatunde Irukera, the founding Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; Prof. Sunnie Ododo, the immediate past Director-General of the National Theatre; and Franca Aiyetan, Secretary to the National Broadcasting Commission.
The event will also receive support from Hakeem Bello, a long-standing media advisor to former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, and Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media, both of whom have ties to the University of Ilorin.
Ademola Hamzat, Assistant Inspector General of Police and also an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, is scheduled to represent Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, with AIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Secretary of the Nigerian Police Force, among others expected to be in attendance.
Among the respected attendees will be newly promoted Commissioners of Police, Wilfred Tokunbo Afolabi and Saadat Ismail; Dr. Ronke Bello, former Director of Arts and Culture in the Federal Capital Territory; and renowned petroleum engineers Francis Osasona and Idowu Lawanson.
Tunde Olusunle, who is currently an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja, boasts an impressive literary background with three highly acclaimed poetry volumes: “Fingermarks” (1996), “Rhythm of the Mortar” (2001), and “A Medley of Echoes” (2022), featuring forewords by Emeritus Professors Femi Osofisan and Olu Obafemi, both recipients of Nigeria’s National Order of Merit, akin to a Nobel Prize in the country. He is also the author of two essay collections: “On The Trail Of History: A Reporter’s Notebook on Olusegun Obasanjo” (2006) and “Atiku: Perspectives on a Phenomenon” (2023).
