The mega city of Lagos was thrown into celebration mood as an Erudite Scholar and a quintessential broadcast journalist Rev. Dr. Olusegun Aderiye celebrated his 70th PLATINUM jubilee anniversary and book launch in style.
The event which took place on Wednesday February 14th 2024 at Airport Ikeja Lagos stated with a Public Lecture titled, “The Imperative of Peace in a Troubled World” taken by Amb. (Dr) Martins Uhomoibhi (Fmr PS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria) and the formal unveiling of: “Journey to Stardom” an Autobiography of the celebrant.
Rev Dr. Olusegun Solomon Aderiye was born on 14 February, 1954 in Ekiti State, then Western Region, Nigeria.
He attended Methodist Primary School, Apaara, Oyo, 1958; Ifaki Grammar School, 1968-72; University of Lagos, 1977 and University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) 1981; Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Olusegun was the Chief State House Correspondent, Nigerian Television Authority, 1985-89.
He was Head, Current Affairs Department, African Independent Television, since 1998; and also the first General Manager, AIT International 2001.
Dr. Aderiye became the first Director-General, Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation (2007-2010); Secretary, Nigerian Television Authority Ibadan Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
He was a co-author of the book; The Liberian Crisis And ECOMOG: A Bold Attempt At Regional Peacekeeping published by Gabumo Publishing Company, Lagos in 1992.
He also authored other books titled: Manpower Planning In The Nigerian Broadcasting Industry; Christian Diplomacy; Mission Accomplished, What only God can do, 2023 and JOURNEY To STARDOM – The Autobiography Of A Quintessential Broadcast Journalist.
Dr. Aderiye creative works include musics; Kilo Ndan Bi Wura, 1978, Awamaridi, 1979, Maje Nse 1981, My Lord is Good, 1983.
His National Awards are Nigeria Television Authority’s Reporter of the Year, 1983; Nominee for Nigeria National Media Award for best newscaster
The special guest of honour of the event was General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR (Former President of Nigeria) while Chief Bode George (Former Military Governor of Ondo State) was the chairman.
Dignitaries present at the event were Lagos state Governor ably represented by his commissioner of information and strategy Gbenga Omotoso, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly represented by one of the honourable members of the house, Steve Ogundipe.
Others were (Dr) Martin Uhomoibhi, Amb (Dr) Yemi Farounbi, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Philippines. The event was indeed an array of who is who in Nigeria.
The former head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR in his remark describes the celebrant as a fine gentleman and a highly efficient, courageous and diligent media practitioner with a high sense of national patriotism and an unrepentant nationalist in broadcast journalism.
He prayed that God Almighty should continue to shower Dr. Aderiye with divine wisdom, guidance, good health, protection, prosperity and longevity, so he could continue to contribute his quota to national development in the years ahead.
Dr. Aderiye in his speech appreciates his lovely wife who shared the same birthday with him, Deaconess Mary Kehinde Oluwakemi and family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances both in the physical and spiritual realms for their love, friendship and kind support all through these years.
He also thanks the VIPs who have come to honour his invitation.
