…as family organises support for widows
By Akubulu Ngozi
The Ekiti State Government has described the Pioneer Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council, Prince Femi Adelusi, as a pathfinder whose legacy remains indelible.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatubosun said this in Ado-Ekiti at the 10th Remembrance Anniversary of Prince Adelusi who is the pioneer founders of the International Institute of Jornalism, IIJ, Ado Ekiti.
Recalling his contributions to the State, Governor Oyebanji noted that he had served the State meritoriously, adding that he is worthy of celebration.
He said, “We are gathered here today in honour of an exceptional man, Prince Adelusi. He served the state appropriately. We are here to celebrate a man that we can call a pathfinder.
“I am speaking on behalf of the Governor and the whole people of Ekiti, he assisted Ekiti in a lot of way. The ones I saw when I was the commissioner of information between 2009 and 2010.
“After 10 years of his demise, his impact is still worth celebrtating. I want to implore us to emulate his good deeds and keep his legacy, because he was not just a journalist , he struggled to facilitate the campus of IIJ in the State and the institution is still flourushing.
“He upheld the principles of journalism, he upheld truth, factual information, objectivity and propagated peace because he is a man of peace.”
Similarly, the National Vice President of NUJ Zone B, Ronke Samo, while giving her goodwill message about the erudite steward, recalled his selfless sacrifices, encouragement and support during her academic pursuit, dedicating her successes to him.
Also, the Chairman of NUJ, Lion Rotimi Ojomoyela described him as a quintessential journalist and a trainer of men, asserting that, there is no way the history of journalism would be told in Nigeria and in the South West without his name being mentioned.
He said, “Prince Adelusi was the pioneer of this Union, he contributed to the development of men and women in journalism in Ekiti and in South West. It is only Ekiti that has a viable school for journalism which is part of the legacy baba established. Infact in Osun, it was one of his students that was sent to pioneer IIJ there.
“I was really impressed when I heard of the intention to celebrate him, we would sit with his family members to know how we would immortalise him, it is parts of our plans and by God’s grace we would actualise this.”
also, in his message to the occassion, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State, Mr. Laolu Omosilade acknowledged the impact of the deceased and made donation to support his imortalization
Meanwhile, the wife of the late icon, Prophetess Adenike Hannah Adelusi, impressed by the attendence, appreciated the State Government and other well-meaning members of the State for their unwavering support but however, called for increased support for widows in the State.
She said, “My husband was a very good husband, I never regretted getting married to him. Though he is dead, his name still lives.I have had no opportunity to appreciate the NUJ that is why I am doing this because my husband was sick all the moment.
“To the NUJ bodies, kindly help the widows of the deceased journalists that their benefits would be giving unto them because we are suffering. And to the widows, I want to encourage you not to feel bad for thy maker is your husband.”
More so, the Former Chairman of NUJ, Akogun Tai Oguntayo while delivering his goodwill message, described him as a goal-getter, revealing how he has kept the legacy of Adelusi by retaining his position as a lecturer in IIJ for the past 15 years.
Furthermore, the Coordinator of IIJ, Mr Dare Daniels, revered him as his benefactor while revealing how he employed him while he was still a student, asserting that, he would have been contented working under him.
Additionally, the Former Acting Governor of Ekiti State, Tope Ademeyuyi, described him as an exemplary journalist and a Christian to be emulated
In the same vein, a representative from the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, BSES, Dunni Ayeni disclosed that he was a friend to the Service, as such, conveyed the Service intention to give the programme a full coverage.
Moreover, towards the end of the programme, some of the widows were presented monetary gifts and food items by the wife of the deceased.