By Oladele Eniola

Lagos, April 15, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, a onetime Managing Director of the defunct Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) as a patriot, whose contributions toward national development are worthy of emulation.

Osinbajo was speaking at the public presentation of Ogunbiyi’s book on Thursday night in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book; ‘The Road Never Forgets’ is Ogunbiyi’s memoir.

NAN also reports that there was fundraising at the occasion for the Yemi Ogunbiyi Anglican School, Sagamu, in Ogun.

According to the Vice President, Ogunbiyi has used the better part of his life to seek the truth and proffer solutions to several critical issues bedeviling the country.

“In this contemporary history of Nigeria, it turns out that the author is present at several critical events of our country.

“His uniquely unashamed style is something to be envious about, and you can tell that he is open and frank about everything,” he said.

Osinbajo, who was the keynote speaker, added that by the publication of the book, the author had paid his civil tax.

“I believe he has paid his civil tax with the book that he has written because there is an obligation that grows amongst us when we have reached a certain level of success.

“And sometimes, it is about telling a story and I believe this book fulfills that obligation clearly.

“When I look at a book, it is about trying to get the right message of the author, and I believe in what he wants to achieve with the book, as he tells the story without embellishments.

“Not only is it true that the road never forgets, but there is the need for us to also remember that the elephant that walks that road, forgets nothing,” the Vice President stated.

Speaking further on the book, Osinbajo noted that the book addresses various issues in the course of time.

He said that the author spoke from a wide spectrum of issues, from his childhood to events that happened last year, adding that the story was one of a truly remarkable individual.

On his part, Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun, lauded the author’s achievements in journalism, noting that he elevated the Daily Times newspaper to an enviable height, especially in terms of profitability.

“He was and still is, a true professional and anywhere he goes, he always leaves his stamp and mark.

“Looking at the work he did while he was the Managing Director of Daily Times, you would know that he is a true born leader, as he totally revamped the place while maintaining professionalism and work ethics.

“Also, profitability was at a high level and he is such a good intellect, and I know that he would be successful in any career path he chooses,” he said.

Prof. Wole Soyinka, a playwright and Nobel Laureate ,commended the author noting that he found the right balance in delivering his story in the book.

“The book is a work of love and a lesson, forbearing people in general as he found the right balance to deliver the story to the public.

“It is a family story and I am glad he can share this with everyone as there are lessons to learn, having found the right understanding and expressive words in the book,” he said.

A former governor of  Cross River , Mr Donald Duke, commended the author for his commitment to improving the lives of people in his community, and hence recommended the book to members of the public.

In his remark, the author, Dr Ogunbiyi, said that  there was a need for the country to seek a fresh start by going back to the drawing board in order to overcome its daunting challenges.

Ogunbiyi told NAN in an interview on the sidelines of the book presentation that none of the country’s challenges was insurmountable if  given the right approach.

Ogunbiyi noted that the country needed a new beginning in order to revert to its past glories.

“Our country needs a fresh start, new thinking, new beginnings, so by telling this unique story, I hope it can engender a sense of regeneration for national restoration.

“Great ideas must be formed and executed so we can go back to the past that I was familiar with as a child, and a future country that is most humane, better structured, and one that guarantees a place for our children.

“This is one of the reasons and motivation for writing the book so that it can be used as a springboard for a better Nigeria,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to developing his community, hence,  the establishment of the Anglican school in his hometown.

“Development of community and grassroots areas should not be done by just the government, but it must be a joint effort by everyone.

“With that in mind, I have always been motivated to develop my community, as I believe that the establishment of a school will have a direct impact on the people there, in several ways.

“The fundraising will also help in the expansion and redevelopment of the school so as to maintain the high standard of education we have been giving out,” he said.

He noted that the 500-page book is a memoir about his life’s journeys with the twists and turns that came with it.

NAN reports that dignitaries at the event include: Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Gov. Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun,  the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Mr Dele Momodu, and some royal fathers.