Veteran journalist Shola Oshunkeye unveils book at 70th birthday colloquium in Lagos
Veteran journalist Shola Oshunkeye has unveiled a new book titled “Byline & Backbone: A Lifetime of Big and Impactful Stories” to mark his 70th birthday celebration.
The launch and colloquium were held on Thursday at the Adebutu Kessington Media Resource Centre of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, and attracted prominent figures from Nigeria’s media and political space.
Guests at the event included former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba; former presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina; and Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine.
In his remarks, Adesina described Oshunkeye as a veteran journalist and brother who distinguished himself in human-interest reporting and impactful storytelling during his career.
Momodu, on his part, emphasised the importance of journalism in shaping society, noting that human-interest reporting remains central to building empathy and strengthening public engagement.
“Human interest is the foundation of journalism. It enables journalists to see beyond the surface and connect the dots. It builds empathy where it might be distant,” he said.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Oshunkeye said it stemmed from reflections on his journalism journey, particularly an experience during a trip to Mozambique after winning the CNN African Journalist of the Year award in 2006.
He disclosed that the moment of inspiration came while reflecting by the Indian Ocean, which later evolved into a broader project documenting his professional experiences and career milestones.
