Some of the finest practitioners of the pen profession gathered in Lagos yesterday to celebrate one of their best – Lade ‘Ladbone’ Bonuola.

Ladbone, who turns 80, was the former Managing Director of The Guardian Newspapers.

The crème-de-la-crème of the newspaper profession in Nigeria, led by the former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba; the Premium Times publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi; and former Editor of The Guardian, Femi Kusa, opened the floodgates of tributes for the octogenarian, Bonuola, proudly reminiscing about the stellar qualities of the senior newsman who shaped the destinies of several renowned journalists.

In unison, they described him as a great, serious-minded, and meticulous journalist who was passionate about his craft.

The special occasion was marked by the launch of a commemorative book, titled ‘Ladbone: A Life in Print’. The book was edited by Dapo Olorunyomi and published by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

Osoba, who chaired the event, recalled that Bonuola joined the Daily Times as a sub-editor when he (Osoba) was Editor of Sunday Times.

According to Osoba, both often had a tough time during production, as Bonuola wanted to ensure that all the stories were edited painstakingly by going through the copies, which slowed the pace of production.

He noted that Bonuola often paid much attention to detail, while he was always conscious of the need to meet deadlines and get the paper to the newsstand early the next day.

Osoba felt it was one of the reasons Bonuola started a column called ‘Caught Out,’ in which he looked for errors in all the newspapers.

Master of Ceremonies for the event, Anike Adefunke Treasure (left); Editor, Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Olagunju; Columnist, Nigerian Tribune, Dr Festus Adedayo; Editor, The Guardian, Dr Femi Adekoya; former Editor, Sunday Guardian, Fred Ohwahwa; and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian, Martins Oloja at the event.

“When The Guardian was established, the late publisher, Alex Ibru, wanted a serious-minded newspaper patterned along the London Times, and I told him that the best editor is Bonuola. He created a standard that others started following, with his good friend, Kusa.”

Osoba also called for a one-minute silence to honour Prof. Idowu Sobowale and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole.

To Olorunyomi, the 750-page book explores dimensions of Bonuola’s life, moments of excellence, the architecture of his genius, and the extraordinary record of his mentorship.

Olorunyomi stated that Bonuola had few equals, describing him as the best editor among his generation. “We are grateful for his labour of love to the country and our profession.”

Olorunyomi stated that the book’s idea is part of CJID’s ongoing efforts to strengthen journalism in the country.

He recounted that Bonuola wanted to shut down the project but later realised it was unwise. “I want to thank the contributors who helped shape the project.”

On his part, Kusa noted that Bonuola would not take any inadequate report, as he would tear it to pieces and rewrite the entire article.

He also recalled how they set a standard that all news stories must be backgrounded, which meant they would breathe into all news copies. “When The Guardian started, we maintained quality writing. Nduka Irabor joined us later. We found him a wonderful person in the newsroom. Mr Emeka Izeze also helped sanitise the quality of news writing,” he stated.

Just before the book was unveiled, there was a panel discussion around the future of Nigerian journalism. On the panel, moderated by Azu Ishiekwene, were Kadaria Ahmed, Ifeanyi Mbanefo, and Chiamaka Ozurumba.

The discussion highlighted the changing phase of journalism, concluding that how journalism was practised in the era of Bonuola cannot be wholly replicated, though issues around integrity and ethics remain the same.

On his part, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Frank Keurhorst said the occasion was not only about celebrating Bonuola, but also an opportunity to reflect on the role of journalism in society.

“Nigeria has a rich media landscape that has helped reform the country. Bonuola’s contribution reminds us of his professional integrity and editorial independence.

“An independent press is essential to strengthening democracy, and it is important we preserve the stories of those who defend it. This is why the CJID Living Archives Initiative is important: it documents journalists’ experiences and helps ensure this important history is not lost. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with CJID.”

Expressing his appreciation, Bonuola recounted how Alhaji Babatunde Jose spotted him, gave him all the necessary training at home and abroad.

He also talked about how Chief Osoba had a lot of confidence in him while Kusa was unwavering. According to him, the late publisher of The Guardian, Mr Alex Ibru, never interfered in his work for once.

“I was sending news schedules to him, but he never opened them. He would say, ‘You are the expert while I am a businessman’.”

Bonuola urged the attendees to thank Jose, Osoba, Michael, and Alex Ibru for helping shape his journalistic destiny. He pleaded that anytime the participants had time, they should help offer prayers for the four.

Reviewing the book, Mr Kunle Ajibade noted that Bonuola is a man of institutional building. He added that many of the contributors, when discussing Bonuola, recounted their own stories passing through him.

Ajibade described him as a journalism exemplar, statesman, the legend, the great teacher, the standard bearer, the architect of truths, the editor of editors, the bone of our bones, the engine room of The Guardian, a solid bridge across generations, a consummate workaholic, a media policeman, a veteran of note, an extraordinary talent supporter, and a disciplinarian.

Mrs Sola Adeola (left); veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Ray Ekpu; former Editorial board member of The Guardian Newspaper, Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu; Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; celebrant, Lade Bonuola and former Director of Publications of The Guardian, Femi Kusa.

“The book is inspiring and enlightening. It is an affirmation of visionary power and a celebration of significant values.”

He described the book as a master class for those who aspire to excellent public service. “As many of the writers tell their stories of their interactions with him, they also tell plenty of stories of their own professional lives.”

“The conference of these stories, the narratives within narratives, give us access to the history of Nigerian journalism itself. There are many engaging recollections here of how he was an inspiration.”

Consul General of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Frank Keurhorst (left) and Cultural Officer at the Netherlands Embassy, Praise Oluwarinu.

Ajibade noted that former President Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former governor of Osun State Bisi Akande, Osoba and former governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola attested to Bonuola’s courage and insight as a public affairs commentator. He was a voracious reader and a passionate debater in secondary school, where he won the John F. Kennedy zonal essay competition.

Some of those at the event include, former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohamed; Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso; former Managing Directors of The Guardian Newspaper, Emeka Izeze and Martins Oloja; Pro-democracy activist, Ayo Obe; former Editor of Punch, Gbemiga Ogunleye; Sully Abu; former Managing Editor of The Guardian, Femi Kusa; Nigeria Guild of Editors’ President, Eze Anaba; Managing Director, ThisDay, Eniola Bello; former Lagos commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde; former NGE President, Funke Egbemode; Managing Director of The Sun, Onuoha Ukeh; Veteran journalist, Taiwo Obe; former Saturday Editor, Banji Adisa; former Sunday Editor, Fred Ohwahwa; former Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Information, Hakeem Bello.

There was a huge number of ex-Daily Times staff. There were also representatives of members of his Alma mater, and his community in Oyo State, Kishi. (Guardian)