Olu Bajowa
There are indeed some issues in one’s life time, which neither time nor event can obliterate from one’s memory. I have seen a lot of these events as a journalist, especially in and around Abuja our nation’s almost 45 years old capital. I have been writing about diverse people, places and events in recent times. Three weeks ago, I released some notes on the brightest part of Abuja I witnessed when there was a unity capital – before 1999. Before that inconclusive article (December 20, 2020 here) on how December 1988 was a landmark in my journalism career, I witnessed an event in Abuja, celebration of a new Silk (a Senior Advocate of Nigeria), which touched my heart – for two main reasons: The new SAN, Festus Kayode Idepefo a native of Ilutitun, a notable town in Okitipupa local government council of Ondo state, exemplified the significance of the much vilified National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme and why the authorities in Nigeria now should pay attention to the power that restoration of the lost paradise we call ‘federalism’ can give to our already complicated diversity. I had also wanted to celebrate the life and times of a senior journalist I met, Mr. Gbolabo Ogunsanwo who passed on the other day. He was one of the authentic journalists that I ever met and I would never forget. A genius of inestimable value, who was always encouraging me to continue to remain steadfast on the narrow path of journalistic excellence. He was document-minded till he breathed his last, though he wasn’t writing regularly anymore. I couldn’t cope with the reality of his demise, so couldn’t write well about him. I hope I can do that very soon about that brilliant columnist and editor so many legends have written about.