I attended the book launch of Deolu Folarin, a classmate and longtime friend a couple of weeks ago. Titled ‘An Odyssey of a life marked by grace’, the book was to capture the highs and lows of his journey of 75 years on earth. A couple of days later, I attended the book launch of Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, celebrated newscaster and allegedly the first female newscaster on NTA (Nigeria Television Authority). Titled ‘Communication and Media in Nigeria’ it was to mark her 50 years in broadcasting. It was her third book. The Chairman at Oloyede’s book launch was Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, another celebrated media personality who had recently authored at least three books – including a collection of interviews – in a fairly rapid succession.
While congratulating Bimbo, I told her that the fact of her having authored three books made me feel inadequate. Her reply twisted the knife. ‘Don’t tell me you haven’t done yours’ she retorted. Soni Irabor, another broadcaster who was within earshot confirmed that his own book was set for publication. Sola Omole, former TV news presenter and former DG of NTA, is also set for a book launch. It seems everywhere I turn, that many of my contemporaries have either written their memoirs or compiled their published articles. I have done neither. It isn’t for lack of pressure from colleagues and close family members.
