The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council is set to launch two books in honour of Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.
The event is part of activities lined up for the first anniversary of the installation of Adams as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.
The activities will hold between January 9 and 13, 2019.
Both the union and Aare Adams will kick-start the installation activities with a press conference at the secretariat of the Union, Ladi Lawal Press Centre, 9a, Iyalla Street, Ikeja, at 11am.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Lagos NUJ, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, the two books, titled: “Voice of media, voice of people,” and: “Iba Gani Adams: Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,” would be presented to the public at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos on January 9, 2019 by 11am.
The first publication is the media collection on the activities of Aare Adams over the years, while the second reflects on the principles, struggles and the institution of Aare Ona Kakanfos.
Akinreti explained that the union decided to write the books on Adams in recognition of his contributions to the progress of the nation, particularly his extraordinary interest in the promotion of Yoruba culture.
He said: “The Lagos NUJ considers it worthy to honour Iba Gani Adams with the two books because of his outstanding contributions to national development. Given his antecedents and struggles over the years as an activist, the history of democracy in Nigeria will be incomplete without special reference to Gani Adams whether as Oodua Peoples Congress leader or as a social crusader.
“At a tender age, he committed himself to the liberation of humanity by championing a good course. He is among notable Nigerians that really sacrificed personal comforts to make the nation thick in several aspects. At different times, despite his unjust detention, he was never deterred to stay focus and remains the people’s vanguard.
“His love and commitment towards the promotion of Yoruba tradition is already a global testimony. We are proud of him and we see him as a rare breed and a role model. For us, he was the most suitable for the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo as appointed by Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.”
The grand finale of the occasion comes up at 10 Degree Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos, where Aare Adams will confer chieftaincy titles on 21 distinguished personalities across the South-West as members of his cabinet.
