By Josiah Nkemakolam
The historic Trenchard Hall at the University of Ibadan played host to an intellectually charged gathering on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as eminent Nigerians converged for the presentation of Tola Adeniyi: Chapters of Destiny.
The event, marking the 80th birthday of veteran journalist Tola Adeniyi, brought together thought leaders, cultural performers and admirers in celebration of a life dedicated to media, satire and national discourse.
Delivering the keynote address, lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi set a reflective yet critical tone, blending personal nostalgia with a broader critique of Nigeria’s socio-political trajectory.
Speaking with evident urgency, Farotimi emphasised the fleeting nature of time and the responsibility of citizens to act with purpose.
“The fact is that time is a limited resource, we are creatures in time who will live only for a limited season,” he said.
Drawing from his personal history in Ibadan, Farotimi recalled his upbringing and deep connection to the city, describing it as both his birthplace and formative ground.
He used the setting as a metaphor to challenge the audience, asking a fundamental question: “Are we thinking straight?” Nigeria’s current realities, he argued, reflect a collective failure to apply reason and foresight in governance and civic responsibility.
Farotimi’s address delved into political philosophy, referencing social contract theorists and questioning the legitimacy of a state that fails in its primary duty of protecting lives and property.
He argued that when a state defaults on its obligations, citizens inherit not just a duty to repair, but a duty to reconstitute the system entirely, to prevent chaos from filling the vacuum.
His remarks drew attention to the fragile balance between reform and disorder.
In one of the most striking moments of his address, Farotimi warned against superficial changes in leadership without structural transformation.
“If what we are promising are personnel changes, nothing will change,” he declared, noting that repeated political slogans have eroded public trust.
He urged Nigerians to develop clear, actionable visions for the future rather than relying on rhetoric.
The activist also painted a grim picture of national security, citing recent incidents and international assessments that classify large swathes of Nigeria as unsafe.
He questioned the implications for citizens who have no alternative homeland, stressing the urgency of confronting reality. “We have a duty to tell ourselves the truth and pick our way out of our mess,” he said.
The celebrant, Adeniyi, struck a more reflective and appreciative tone, focusing on his personal journey through journalism and public service. A former Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times, he paid tribute to the mentors, colleagues and benefactors who shaped his career, calling for a moment of silence in honour of departed allies.
The event also featured a review of the autobiography by Anthony Kila, who highlighted its historical depth and contemporary relevance.
Cultural performances by the Olu Youth Cultural Group from Ago-Iwoye, and a spoken word presentation by Young Chief Israel Adebayo, added vibrancy, underscoring the fusion of intellect and tradition that defined the occasion.
Ultimately, the book launch transcended celebration, evolving into a platform for national introspection.
While Adeniyi’s life story offered lessons in perseverance and intellectual engagement, Farotimi’s address served as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. Together, their voices framed a dual narrative, one of legacy, the other of urgency, leaving attendees with both inspiration and a call to action.