Gbenga Omotoso: A purposeful life at 65

File: The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso,

Since the day I first met him in the newsroom at The Rutam House headquarters of The Guardian Newspapers 32 years ago, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, who turned 65 today, has remained the same person in every department of life. A man who has positively impacted the lives of thousands whose paths crossed his deserves to be celebrated on a special day like this.

My attempt to change my job then had brought me face to face with the man I would later get to know at close range as an angel in human form. Within days of our first meeting, I realised the start of the fulfilment of my dream of gaining some journalistic experience at The Guardian where he was the then Editor of The Guardian Express, the evening tabloid of the stable. He hired me as a staff reporter in the flagship newspapers.

Over 32 years later, and in character, Omotoso remains consistent like the North Star; no chameleon-like behaviour.

Over time, our relationship developed from being a mere reporter and his boss/editor to brothers from different mothers. Even when we were not working together after we both left The Guardian, our relationship remained unshaken. At another time, when destiny brought me to work with him again at The Nation Newspapers, where he personally invited me to join him as an assistant editor, our relationship remained solid.

His purposeful life, which has been a masterpiece of compassion, love, laughter and wisdom, has heavily rubbed off on the lives of people like us and others. It has been decades of leaving indelible marks on all who have had the privilege of knowing him, either professionally, politically or socially.

Omotoso is a thoroughbred journalist, an editor of editors, a consistent, award-winning columnist and a mentor and trainer par excellence. His approach to journalism, which we gained while learning under him, has greatly shaped the way we think and write today.

Besides, his trials and triumphs have shown us what it means to live with purpose, passion and perseverance. His is a life worthy of emulation because of the uncommon traits that have brought uncommon grace to him.

To those of us who know him very well, his life has also been a testament to the power of kindness, generosity, and a heart that has always been in the right place. He continues to touch the lives of others unconditionally. His unflinching support for people remains unparalleled.

I have been a huge beneficiary of Omotoso’s generosity and compassion to the extent that I have actually lost count of the number of times he has personally intervened to resolve some challenges cropping up in my journey of life.

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The last few years have been particularly unbelievable, to the point that one wonders what kind of golden heart this man has.

Be it in the payment of children’s school fees when things were tight, settling hospital and other sundry bills, supporting us during family events and other things too numerous to mention, he has always been there for us.

In fact, many times, I felt very, very uncomfortable telling him about any challenge, because no matter what, he would find a solution, even at great inconvenience to himself.

A particularly striking intervention was when he had to shoulder the responsibility as one was almost at the point of death because of some overwhelming bank loans used for an important project. This intervention totally cleared the loans and restored my sanity.

It is actually moments like these that remind my family and me of the impact he has had and continues to have on our lives. Indeed, he has been a rock, a confidant, and a source of inspiration and laughter to us all. These have made a difference in our lives, and we are forever very grateful.

Sir, as you celebrate your 65th birthday today, may this new chapter be filled with joy, good health, a sound mind and all the things that bring you happiness. May this landmark birthday be as remarkable and as special as you are, and may you continue to inspire us all. And may all your heart’s desires be fulfilled.

Happy birthday, Sir.

Steve Omolale is a journalist, columnist, media consultant and reputation manager