Thursday, February 6, 2025, will forever be remembered as a momentous day for Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, a distinguished member of the renowned UNILAG Mass Communication Class of 1978. His book, REPORTER, was publicly launched in a grand ceremony held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The event attracted a host of eminent personalities, including veteran and practicing journalists, journalism students, public servants, and traditional rulers, all gathered to celebrate his remarkable contribution to journalism.
The 127-page book was formally unveiled in the presence of five of Kareem’s UNILAG ’78 classmates: Alhaji Hameed Adio, Mr. Olalekan Sote, Mr. Bamidele Ige, Prince Ayodeji Ajayi, and Mr. Olusegun Ladipo. Their attendance, along with a cross-section of professionals from different fields, highlighted the profound impact Kareem has made in journalism, politics, and community development over the years.
Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who served as the Father of the Day; the Chairman of the Occasion, Barr. Hammed Adeniyi Raji, SAN, represented by Alhaji Saheed Adejare Yusuf Alaran; and the Special Guest of Honour, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, represented by Pa Banji Ogundele, Chairman of the Association of Oyo State Veteran Journalists. Also in attendance were the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (represented by Chief Adeola Oloko), the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, and other notable figures in media and politics.
A highlight of the event was a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Professor Adeolu Akande, Principal Partner at The Law Hub. His presentation, titled Journalism, Law, and Politics, explored the interconnection between these fields and their roles in national development.
He emphasized the importance of journalists in holding public officeholders accountable, the judiciary’s responsibility in ensuring justice, and the need for politicians to use governance to foster equitable development. His well-articulated speech earned him thunderous applause from the audience.
Following the lecture, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and dignitaries, who attested to Kareem’s integrity, professionalism, and dedication to journalism. The book launch itself was met with enthusiasm, as guests made generous donations in support of the publication. Notably, Barr. Hammed Adeniyi Raji, SAN, purchased 100 copies, while Alhaji Hameed Adio, representing Kareem’s UNILAG classmates, bought five copies for N50,000.
A special moment of nostalgia came when 91-year-old veteran journalist Pa Jola Ogunlusi shared historical insights into the NUJ Press Centre and praised Kareem for his literary contribution. Similarly, the Aseyin of Iseyin commended him for his unwavering commitment to the progress of Iseyinland and journalism in general, praying for continued success in his endeavors.
In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem expressed deep appreciation to all attendees for their support and encouragement. Dressed in an elegant white and yellow traditional outfit, he humbly acknowledged the contributions of those who made the event a success and prayed for their safe journeys home. The ceremony, which ended at 2 p.m. with a final prayer, was a resounding success, marking another milestone in Kareem’s illustrious career.
