National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Lami Victor KADUNA
Former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, recently celebrated his 85th birthday with the launch of his autobiography, “My Life in the Public Eye.”
The event, which held on Monday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, attracted a diverse audience, including Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima.
Born on July 15, 1939, in Osogbo, Osoba’s birthdate was confirmed by his father and modern technology. During his childhood, age adjustments for school enrollment were common, leading to his assigned birth year of 1941. Later in life, Osoba corrected this to his true birth year, valuing honesty and transparency.
Osoba’s educational journey was not without challenges. Initially denied admission to a teacher training program due to his age and height, he eventually attended Methodist Boys High School in Lagos. These early experiences shaped his resilience and determination.
At 85, Osoba reflects on his life with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment. He attributes his longevity and health to moderation in all aspects of life, including diet and stress management.
A devout Christian, he reiterated the importance of contentment and avoidance of envy, while maintaining peace of mind as essential to well-being.
Osoba’s political career was marked by integrity and close relationships with influential figures.
As Governor of Ogun State, he sought honest feedback from trusted friends like Oba Otudeko and Peter Àjàyí. This openness ensured he addressed issues promptly, avoiding unnecessary stress.
In navigating the digital age, Osoba manages an overwhelming flow of information. With over 7,000 contacts and numerous social media engagements, he prioritises rest and health. By muting his phone overnight and delaying calls until noon, he maintains a balanced routine.
Witnessing the early deaths of colleagues prompted Osoba to appreciate his own longevity.
According to him, he lives with no regrets, cherishing friendships with military and political leaders while his integrity and refusal to exploit connections for personal gain have earned him widespread respect.
Despite opportunities for wealth, Osoba upheld professional ethics, avoiding scandals and legal troubles.
Despite all the affluence, his dedication to journalism remains strong, taking pride in the role of reporters as the frontline soldiers of the profession.
His autobiography, “Battle Lines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics,” highlights his commitment to perseverance and integrity.
In the current media landscape, Osoba expresses concern over the rise of fake news and untrained bloggers. He champions credible journalism, supporting professional online platforms.
Osoba envisions a future where journalism thrives on integrity, adapting to technological advancements while maintaining its core values.
Osoba’s legacy is a testament to a life lived with purpose and dedication. His contributions to journalism and politics have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to uphold the principles of honesty, resilience, and ethical integrity in their pursuits.
