The event commenced a few minutes behind schedule-not intended and greatly regretted though.
The on going ASUU & NASUU strikes didn’t help matters as most members of the University community belong to one of the two unions and as the purpose of the strike borders on a popular issue the strike was fully implemented and all activities on campus brought to a HALT.
A few hours-less than 24- to the event, I was strongly advised by a respectable member of the Faculty to postpone the event until after the strike is called off. I trust his judgment and also know that the Industrial action could cripple things, but accepting to shift the event means I’d be postponing the event indefinitely ‘cos the strike is indefinite!
The advice came at a time when I had shut all back doors and bombed all bridges behind me and all I could afford to do was move forward relentlessly in spite and despite the odds.
I made arrangements for alternate venues, but eventually obtained permission to use the ultra modern Physics Laboratory, within the PDS complex at the Mini- Campus, OOU.
I continued to execute my plans in concert with my friends who were assisting me.
We couldn’t serve the letters of reminder to invited guests within the campus due to the Industrial action.
Come Wednesday morning, we couldn’t locate the keys for the venue at porters office and I was beginning to suspect a foul play, I quickly re opened talks with the owners of a near by events place ELITE CLUB HOUSE so I can hold the event there, but eventually the key was located and the venue hurriedly prepared for the event.
Somewhere along the line I received a text from the book reviewer, sent the night before-sometimes networks could be terrible-stating his apologies.
I was hit hard, having gathered word late Tuesday that the expected chairman will no longer honor the invitation due to pressing issues on campus, I had taken solace in the fact that I have a person of the caliber of
Mr. Gbenga Sesan reviewing the book. And I was so confident he will review the book especially after I had sent him upon his request an e-copy of the book in advance and obtained his words to honour the call duty, in fact the last time I spoke with him was 7:54 pm (18:54 GMT) Tuesday 12th, December.
The alternate reviewer was contacted- Miss Tutu Adeniji, 500level Mass Com.-and informed of the situation.
Eventually the programme commenced at a few minutes to 2:00pm with Engr. Sam Adekoya a personal friend of the expected chairman serving as the emergency Chairman of the event.
My colleague and classmate Femi Babalogbon aka Babalowise- a campus journalist and publisher of EVERY CAMPUS Newspaper-read my profile and introduced me to the gathering after which I welcomed guests to the event.
Mr. Fola Daniel author of a collection of published poems presented the keynote addressed titled: GOOD GRADES CAN SECURE A GOOD JOB BUT NOT A GOOD LIFE,he stressed the need to obtain grades on merit and not at criminal costs, he emphasised the need to ensure one really learns while in school and not just cram or bribe (where possible) ones way through school.
The new reviewer then proceeded to give a detailed review of the book, she dissected every chapter of the book and eventually recommending the book for public consumption.
Then the launching proper, this was an humbling event as each launcher made speeches that moved me near tears.
Friends stated their reasons for baring all odds to honor my invitation,relatives cuoldnot stop identifying one good quality the want emulated and exemplified by the author.
At about 4:00pm the event closed with an observance of the Nigerian National anthem the same way as the programme was opened.
Tunde Ojobaro of Raindrops Delight spiced the event with jokes while Toyosi, Fumi Fatomi, Lekan Matins and Dipo Fadipe were ushers. Lara Akintoye Seun Ogunsola, Lekan Matins had earlier assisted with circulating IVs on campus. Olumide Sokunbi was on ground to run odd errands. On and on goes the list of people who made the event happen.
Someday soon I will blog my appreciation
Thank you.
