- By Kamil Opeyemi
President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have described Chief Ajibola Olusanya Ogunshola, former Chairman of PUNCH Nigeria Limited as an asttute reformer.
Their comments came on the heels of Ogunshola’s 80th birthday today, July 14, 2024.
Tinubu described Ogunshola as a “distinguished Nigerian” who was, at various times, Managing Director of Niger Insurance Plc; Chairman of the Committee of Actuaries advising the United Nations Pension Fund, and Chairman of Alexander Forbes Consulting Actuaries.
Ogunshola was also President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
He is a fellow of the Nigerian Mathematical Society and past fellow of the Royal Statistical Society of England.
“President Tinubu celebrates the Baaroyin of Ibadanland on reaching the venerable age of 8 and commends him for his many accomplishments and contributions to the nation across sectors.” a statement by Ajuri Ngelae said
Also, Governor Sanwo-Olu while congratulating former Chairman of PUNCH, described him as “a seasoned technocrat and good manager of human and material resources.”
He said Ogunsola built PUNCH Newspaper to an enviable position in the media industry, becoming one of the leading, most credible and most profitable newspapers in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, praised Ogunsola for his visionary leadership, high professional standards and managerial skills during his tenure as Chairman, which helped to position PUNCH as a voice to be reckoned with in the media industry.
Sanwo-Olu also rejoiced with family, friends, and associates of Chief Ogunsola, as well as the entire media industry, especially PUNCH Newspaper, on the 80th birthday of the former NPAN President.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, and the entire management and staff of PUNCH Newspaper to congratulate Chief Ajibola Ogunsola on his 80th birthday celebration.
“Chief Ogunsola, as a seasoned administrator, piloted the affairs of PUNCH Newspaper in the right direction during his tenure as Chairman and built the newspaper to an enviable position in Nigeria.
“He is an employer of labour and a role model to thousands of young Nigerians in the media industry, particularly journalists who work in PUNCH Newspaper.
“I wish Chief Ajibola Ogunsola the best on his 80th birthday. I pray that God will give him more grace to contribute to humanity and Nigeria.”