Veteran journalist, Olutade Makinde, lives on

By Funsho Arogundade

The memory and legacy of foremost journalist and music enthusiast, Olutade Makinde came alive inside the iconic Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan on Sunday February 16, as the family and associates gathered at a three-in-one event —launching of a foundation, a book and an award in his name.

For Makinde’s family, the occasion marked both an honour and the realisation of a long-held dream to celebrate the achievements and enduring legacy of their late father, who made his mark as the entertainment editor of the now defunct Sketch Press Limited and Nigerian Tribune.

The late Makinde, who died February 15, 2015, was fondly remembered for his trailblazing work in the sphere of entertainment journalism and music promotion.

Speaking at the event, Tade Makinde II, the deceased’s son and author of the book ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’, expressed joy at the overwhelming turnout of friends and well-wishers at the event. Tade, also a journalist, said there were many feats his father achieved while he was alive which many people do not know about. This was the reason he decided to write the 174-page book about him which, contains, among others, details of how a music competition completely altered the trajectory of King Sunny Ade’s life for good.

According to Tade, the project took three years to complete and now stands as a monumental tribute to their hero. He added that the book and other aspects of his father’s life and memory would soon be adapted into a movie while he sought the support of his late father’s friends and colleagues to make this a reality.

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who was the host of the event, described the late Makinde as a great journalist whose advice and support many musicians and entertainers benefited from. The former presidential aide stated that the deceased was passionate about his work and wished he had come at this time when entertainment has become a goldmine.

Also speaking, the special guest of honour and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso commended Tade for writing the book to preserve the legacy of his father while the chairman of the planning committee of the event, Ambassador Dr. Yemi Farounbi, stressed that although Olutade Makinde might be dead, he lives on in the hearts of his friends and loved ones who gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines commended the son of the late journalist for writing the book and recommended it to everyone.

The book reviewer, Dr. Emmanuel Jimo, described the book as a photo studio, memorabilia, a testimonial, and a biography of a fulfilled music lover and entertainment journalist.