Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji
ABEOKUTA – Veteran writer and Author, Chief Tunji Ogundimu was on Saturday celebrated on the anniversary of his 70th birthday by members of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ogun State Chapter.
The epoch making event was held at the Simeon Adebo Library, Kuto, Abeokuta and has in attendance eminent personalities from all works of life.
The Chairman of ANA, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Dada Olanipekun gave a brief speech about the celebrant and how the idea of TOGUNFEST 2018 was birthed to celebrate Pa.
Tunji Ogundimu at 70. He added that the celebrant has played his part towards uplifting the image of writers’ association in the state and Nigeria at large. He therefore urged him not to relent in his efforts and contribution towards encouraging reading abilities in the teeming youths.
The climax of the event was the book review titled “Pensioners and Prisoners” written by Pa. Tunji Ogundimu as presented by Dr. Chris Omotosho a Senior lecturer from the Department of Theatre Arts, Federal College of Education. Abeokuta.
In his review, Dr. Omotosho opined that the book was based on the state of wellbeing of Pensioners in the country, the inhuman treatments unleashed upon them after a well-deserved meritorious service to the nation.
Dr. Omotosho further said that the 200 pages’ book that was meticulously written in a lucid, clear and simple language was an account of the neglect, depression and disheartening conditions that pensioners were subjected to in their old age. Though the author warned and stated unequivocally that the story was fictitious in nature.
He stressed that the author has also shown to us that the masses, irrespective of their conditions, have within them the ability to change their lots and that the earlier we realize that no one would change our situation if we remain complacent.
The event also featured poems recitation by students across Ogun State institutions which include; Olaiya Aminat Temitope (Tribute to Naira), Ogunbiyi Olasumbo (My Birthday), Badru Samuel (Solitude) and Babalola Busola (Pain of a mother) just to mention a few.
The celebrant, Pa. Tunji Ogundimu in his addresses appreciated his creator who has brought him thus far and equally appreciated his colleagues, contemporaries, families and well wishes for the befitting 70th birthday celebration accorded him and prayed for more will and passion to do more in the land of the living.
Eminent personalities that graced the epoch making event includes; the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Tunde Kehinde from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Other important dignitaries are Olori Rebecca who represented Oba A. Adebayo, Onitori of Itori, Dr. Goke Rauf of the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Dr. (Mrs.) Funmi Alakija.
Other members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) that graced the event include the Chapter’s Vice Chairman Pastor Dotun Adekoya, Chief Dada Korede (General Secretary), Iyabode Sanyaolu, Mr. Wale Afuape and a host of others.