By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
The auditorium of The Lord’s Table Church (TLT) was on Saturday May 27, 2023, filled to capacity, when Samuel Otitolaiye, his family and friends came together to celebrate the grace of God and mercies at 70 years and launch a book written by the celebrant, titled, “Travails of a Roving Journalist”.
The church situated at No. 6 Bakassi Street, Barnawa, Kaduna the venue of the occasion, was theonged by notable dignitaries such as veteran journalists, CEOs, businessmen and women to celebrate Sam as is fondly referred to by friends and associates.
Notable veteran journalists who honoured the occasion were, Alhaji Tajudeen Ajibade, Elder John Fwah, Adamu Marshal and Barr Wahab Page.
Others are, Chief Andrew Fadason, Shu’aibu Gimi, Hannatu Musa and the chairman of the occasion, Pastor Usman George.
After wishing the celebrant a happy birthday and more grace ahead, the occasion moved to the next level, which was the book launch.
The book launch kick started with Alhaji Shu’aibu Gimi, a veteran journalist discussing the title, “Journalism Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”.
He began his discussion with the practice of journalist at the ancient times when reporting was difficult and hazardous to the period when journalist was broaden as a result of technological innovations.
According to him, Social Media is a great challenge, affecting practitioners of journalism and the society in general, due to the heat and bad blood usually generated from that end coming from stories that are not edited.
On a lighter note, he said in Heaven, only journalism will be practised, because of its importance as all other professions would not be relevant.
“All what we have here on earth, there are better versions in Heaven, thus only journalists will be needed to report what is happening in this part of Heaven to the other part,” Alhaji Gimi said.
He admonished that there is an urgent need to adhere to ethics of journalism profession in Nigeria, “if we are to move to the next generation.”
The book review itself was ably handled by Chief Andrew Fadason, former Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Chapter.
He did justice to the book by explaining the content chapter by chapter and commended the author for finding time to invest in such a venture for prosperity.
The book pictures the life, times and working career of the author as well as the difficult terrains he went through to get to this stage in life.
Chief Fadason used the occasion to advice youth to be consistent in whatever they find themselves doing and continue until they succeed.
He said the youth can learn from the resilience of Sam Otitolaiye in his profession as a journalist.
The book launch came to a close with many individuals and groups purchasing copies.
The author in his vote of thanks, appreciated all those who created time to honour the invitation and celebrate with him and the book launch, praying for God’s provision, protection and journey mercies as they depart to their different destinations.
All invitees were treated to a sumptuous lunch before their departure.
