It was a bright and sunny afternoon full of banter, food and drinks as friends, colleagues and family members gathered on January 31 to felicitate veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, and Publisher of Gavel International, Mustapha Ogunsakin, as he turned 60.
The venue was the Lagos State Public Service Club, G. R. A . Ikeja, Lagos and the atmosphere was cosy, good music supplied by a live band and well wishers united in their convictions that, Ogunsakin is truly worthy of his dues as they savoured delicacies and fine wines on offer.
Testimonials by friends and associates, a highlight of the event, affirmed Ogunsakin as a man of principle, dogged entrepreneur, committed journalist, dependable ally and loving family man.
Long time friend and mentor of sorts, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli SAN attested to Ogunsakin’s reliability as a friend, ally and adviser over the years.
George-Ikoli recalled his time as Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, when, pressured by weight of office, Ogunsakin was always available to “hold my hand”.
The senior lawyer testified to Ogunsakin’s commitment to the cause of justice and enhancement of the criminal justice system through his platforms.
He especially commended the publisher for his annual Gavel International lecture series, which he noted has continued to set the agenda for improvements in Nigeria’s judiciary, promotion of the rule of law, and quick and fair justice delivery in Nigeria’s often complex environment, an effort which he pledged continued support for years to come.
Activist, journalist, lawyer and serial author, Mr. Richard Akinnola, who was Ogunsakin’s first boss at the Courtroom Magazine testified to his brilliance and resilience even in those formative years.
He stressed the importance of building relationships and keeping them noting that himself and the celebrant had maintained cordial relations, a key asset to success.
Deacon Dele Adesina SAN, another of Ogunsakin’s mentors testified to his tenacity of purpose and integrity, which contributed to his meteoric rise in his chosen profession after shunning all entreaties to study law. He prayed for more successes for the celebrant is the coming years.
Editor of The News magazine, Mr. Ademola Adegbamigbe, who started primary school with the celebrant in Ado Ekiti, recalled their checkered journey that began in 1969, and their reunions in the university and again, at magazine’s office in Lagos.
He paid tribute to Ogunsakin’s ability to stay the course of impactful journalism, especially during his days at The Guardian, where he became and authority in judicial, human rights and criminal justice systems reportage.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of The NewsMatrics, Mr. Ayo Olesin recalled old times and Ogunsakin’s initial struggles to establish Gavel International and their subsequent sojourn at the National Mirror, from where the celebrant eventually resigned to focus of his pet project.
Olesin testified to Ogunsakin’s forthrightness, fairness of judgement and wise counsel, qualities that have since distinguished him as a highly relevant and much sought after figure in judicial and legal circles despite not being a practitioner himself.
Mrs. Atinuke Ogunsakin, the celebrant’s wife, lavished praises on his for his exceptional dedication to his family and supportive role he played in developing her own career.
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