At the launch of the highly anticipated book written by Tade Makinde in honour of his late father & a well celebrated Entertainment Journalist, Mr.Olu Makinde, our correspondent gave a vivid account on how it all went down at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday 15th, February 2025.
Dr. Idris Olagoke Badmus, the Chief Executive Officer of AMNI Corporation has pledged to provide one thousand copies of the book on late Olu Makinde to higher institutions in Nigeria within two months.
The chief launcher made the promise at the Trenchard Hall University of Ibadan venue of the event.
At N20,000 per copy, the gesture translates to the CEO of AMNI Corporation having launched the book at N20m, a promise that got the venue erupted as Alhaji Ahmad Sawaba and Senator Babafemi Ojudu applauded the businessman.
The book launch was attended by Sawaba, a special adviser to the Governor of Kano State; and who doubled as the representative of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Ambassador (Dr.) Yemi Farounbi; Princess Aderonke Rahmat Adedoja, the president of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Chief Olorode, Feyi Ogunduyile, Micho Ade, Asha Gangalli, among others, the book launch was in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the journalist’s passing.
Book reviewer, Dr. Emma Jimo, held guests spellbound as his delivery brought the book to live, even as Mr. Adeniran Makinde, the General Secretary of NANTAP (National Association of Nigerian Theater Arts Practitioners), urged Nigerians to document African stories for posterity. “This is more than a book. It’s a movie in waiting and NANTAP will explore that option in future”, he promised.
Written by Tade Makinde II, Mrs Funmi Aragbaye, guest speaker, took guests on memory lane as she described Makinde as a fearless journalist, and also as a friend of artists.
Micho Ade also praised Makinde for selflessly promoting Nigerian artists, something that’s missing now as many no longer find it worthy to invest their energy into developing talents.
The book is now available on tam.ng
Makinde is remembered for organizing the musical competition that catapulted Sunny Ade into national, and later, global fame, from 1977 that he won it.
A foundation was inaugurated in the memory of late Olu Makinde and his wife, Margaret Makinde. Ambassador Farounbi is the Chairman of the foundation. Other members will be announced later.
