Ex-Punch MD Osinubi celebrates platinum jubilee, honored by media Icons, others
The air inside the Methodist Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Opebi, Ikeja, was thick with gratitude and nostalgia yesterday. Family, friends, and media greats gathered to celebrate a man whose name has long echoed through the Nigerian press.
From the soaring hymns of thanksgiving to the quiet reflections that rippled through the pews, the service radiated reverence for a life steeped in purpose, discipline, and grace. It was a Monday morning, yet the cathedral brimmed with prominent figures — editors, publishers, and industry veterans. They were all drawn to honor a man who helped shape the conscience of Nigerian journalism.
The occasion had in attendance prominent leaders including the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who described Osinubi as “a good man and a loving father,” whose legacy continues to speak through the people and institutions he nurtured. “What you are seeing here today says it all,” Omotoso said, gesturing toward the crowd.
“That shows the kind of man he is — gentle, hardworking, and deeply humane.
“Today, he’s reaping the reward of his years of integrity and good relationships.”
When it was his turn to speak, Osinubi’s voice carried both humility and wonder. He admitted being overwhelmed by the turnout. “I can’t thank everyone enough,” he said, smiling. “At one point, I looked back and asked myself — is this really a Monday? I’m deeply grateful. “My prayer is that each of you will also live to be celebrated.”
Reflecting on the evolution of journalism, the former Punch helmsman spoke candidly about generational shifts in the media landscape. “Every generation faces its own challenges,” he said. “Ours had no computers or digital tools, but we made the best of what we had. “This new generation isn’t lazy — they’re just working with different circumstances.
Among the dignitaries present were former Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and his wife, Iyabo; Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu; President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba; Managing Director of Punch Nigeria Limited Mr. Adeyeye Joseph; as well as former Punch Editors Bola Bolawole, Gbemiga Ogunleye and Azu Ishiekwene.
Others were Convener of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), Lanre Idowu; Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Togo and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Mr. Debo Adesina, among others. They all gathered in quiet celebration of a man whose pen, principles, and presence have left an indelible mark on Nigerian journalism.