Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and Africa Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, has celebrated veteran journalist, Gbenga Adefaye, on his 65th birthday, commending his contributions to journalism and the development of the media profession in Nigeria.
Ogundipe, in a birthday message on Thursday, said he joined family members, friends, colleagues and admirers of Adefaye in celebrating the milestone with warm wishes and sincere appreciation.
He described Adefaye’s professional journey as a reflection of a lifetime of commitment to journalism, editorial excellence and advancement of the profession, noting his years at Vanguard and his leadership roles in the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
According to Ogundipe, Adefaye’s appointment as Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, was particularly significant, not only as recognition of his professional standing, but as an opportunity to advance journalism education, professional training and intellectual capacity of Nigerian media practitioners to match global standards.
“He understands that the future of journalism depends not only on the courage to report, but equally on sound education, professional competence and continuous development,” Ogundipe stated.
The former NUJ president also described Adefaye, a prince of Ile-Ife, as deeply conscious of his cultural heritage and the responsibilities of royal lineage, adding that he embodied dignity, cultural appreciation and respect for tradition without pretence.
He further described Adefaye as a genuine admirer of brilliance, intellectual depth and scholarship, who appreciates substance and recognises value in both established and emerging minds, a disposition he said explained the esteem Adefaye enjoyed across generations.
Ogundipe said he had known Adefaye as a colleague and friend, and that his 65th birthday offerred an opportunity not only to celebrate him but to acknowledge a life distinguished by professional service, cultural rootedness, intellectual appreciation and enduring friendships.
He noted that at 65, Adefaye was approaching the biblical milestone of three score years and ten, wishing him many more years of good health, fulfilment, intellectual engagement and meaningful service to humanity.
“Happy birthday, dear Gbenga. May the years ahead be rewarding, and may Nigerian journalism continue to benefit from your wisdom, experience and commitment to the profession,” Ogundipe added.
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