Ever since our paths crossed at the reception of the Salawu Abiola Memorial Library within the precincts of Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, in 1987, our shared philosophy and intellectual bent towards issues and humanity have remained our solid bond. Sufuyan had come for his Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication at the institution at the time.
Thirty-nine years after our first meeting, we remain grateful to Almighty God for sparing our lives and for imbuing us with many positives to celebrate. As far back as 1987, Sufuyan and I shared a byline on an article titled “That Prince Bola Ajibola Media Council Decree” in the then-popular Mass Communication Department’s newspaper, The Poly Echo.
It was an epoch when seeing your byline in a newspaper or other publication was a prophetic insight into what the future held in store for you. In contemporary times, the insane pursuit of wealth, especially by young folks, has replaced this and other noteworthy values that were once cherished in our society.
I left the polytechnic to pursue a degree in Law in Lagos State. Remarkably, years after, Sufuyan had gone ahead to acquire, in flying colours, not only other postgraduate degrees but also a first and second degree in Law.
I still vividly recollect that Sufuyan, after his national service year, came to see me at my uncle’s apartment on Ade-Alu Street in Dopemu to elatedly inform me that he had an interview appointment at The Champion newspaper. That evening, he regaled me with how he had dazzled them at the interview session and, as they say, the rest is history.
Sufuyan is God-fearing and a damn good writer whose love for the pen profession is non-negotiable. Our mutual love for journalism, our beloved craft, has earned us attainments worthy of celebration.
Congratulations, Sufuyan, on your 60th birthday. Long may you live.
■ Mobolaji Sanusi Esq., BL. LL.M. MMP,
Journalist/Nigerian Patriot.
