Nigerian journalists on Saturday celebrated the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin who clocked 56.
Many young and old journalists who had either been mentored or trained by Otufodurnin and those who had worked with him took to the social media to celebrate the man who is popularly known to have given back to his profession.
The pubisher of New Dawn, an online publication, Mr. Tunde Abatan wrote on his Facebook page:
“Happy birthday to a brother, friend and consumate journalist who has devoted his journalism career to mentorship and training. More grease to your elbow. Age gracefully.”
A development journalist and communication co-ordinator at Innate Communication, Funmi Falobi, wrote on her Facebook page:
“Happy birthday to a gentleman and passionate journalist who is ever ready to bring out the best in others. As you mark another year today, the Almighty will bless you beyond your imagination. Your light will continue to shine brighter and brighter each day. You’re cherished sir. Many happy returns.”
Olugbenga Osinaike, publisher of Church Times (Nigeria) wrote on his Facebook page: “Celebrating a dear brother and an icon of the pen profession, Lekan Otufodunrin. Wishing you more years of impact in good health, prosperity and peace of mind. Congratulations!!!”
Congratulatory messages from other journalists read:
Adejumo Kabir:
Happy birthday to you and thanks for all you are doing sir.
Dayo Ayeyemi:
Happy birthday to our boss. Editor of editors. A perfect gentleman. May God bless your new age.
Theophilus Abbah:
May the Lord bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you, may His love lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace! Wishing you good health as well!
Alex Ogundadegbe:
Happy Birthday to a great source of inspiration to our profession and faith. May you reach greater heights and conquer more worlds In Jesus’ Mighty Name!
Yemi Ajayi:
Happy birthday to a man who has given back immensely to journalism.
Augustine Avwode:
Congratulations and happy birthday. More grace and more blessings in the years ahead.
Yusuf Alli:
Happy birthday to my hero, my mentor and my role model. May the Lord lift you higher than you are expecting.
Yusuph Olaniyonu:
Happy birthday to a great journalist and mentor of professionals.
Otufodunrin worked for various media organisations in Nigeria, including Punch Newspapers, the Financial Standard, the New Age and The Nation.
He left The Nation as Managing Editor, Online and Special Publications before setting up Media Career Development Network.
His organisation is devoted to training and research in the area of media development.
Otufodunrin is a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and Nigeria Guild of Editors.
He is an adjunct lecturer at the Mass Communication Department of University of Lagos and a Professional External Examiner at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
