...Will Encourage Reading Culture, Creative Writing Amongst School Children Says Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi
#AgegePulse Magazine
Agege Local Government area of Lagos State would commence the organisation and sponsorship of a yearly essay contest, which will be contested by pupils of public junior secondary schools in the community in immortalisation of deceased veteran journalist, Alhaji Kola Animashaun.
Alhaji Animashaun was a popular columnist, former Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Vanguard and hailed from Agege.
He died on May 30, 2019 at age 80.
The Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alh. Ganiyu Egunjobi led a delegation of the council to pay a condolence visit to the bereaved family at Adegbite Close in Dopemu area on Sunday where they were received by his widow, Mrs Silfat Animashaun, Mr. Adeboye Animashaun and Mrs. Opeyemi Sarumi, their son and daughter respectively.
Speaking during the visit, Egunjobi, who presented a condolence letter to the Animashauns, paid tribute to the late doyen of journalism, describing him as an illustrious son of Agege in whom everybody who has nexus with the area was well pleased with and proud of, adding that the deceased's contribution to Nigeria through journalism profession ranked high.
He added that late Animashaun was downright forthright and religious calling on the people of the area to emulate him.
“Alhaji Animashaun was a journalist per excellence, a fine gentleman, a conscientious and decent person, who was committed to the development of Nigeria and bestrode the media like a colossus. His write-ups were insightful, inspiring and for some of us, it was a weekly tonic.
“He personified piety and professional excellence. It is my hope that many of us can replicate him and stay on the straight and narrow,” he said.
The Council chief urged the family he left behind to uphold his principles by being above board, and maintained a strong work ethic, adding that an essay competition to be contested by pupils of public junior secondary schools in the area to immortalise him has been conceptualised by the local government.
Egunjobi said, “We are happy that he has not died unsung. On our part at the council, we have come up with an annual essay competition to immortalise him. It will be contested by public junior secondary school pupils in Agege every July 5 on his posthumous birthday anniversary.
“Apart from immortalising the late doyen of journalism, the other aims are: to encourage reading culture, creative writing among school children and recognise hard work and talent of aspiring young writers.”
Reacting, Mr. Adeboye Animashaun expressed surprise and appreciation at the immortalisation of their patriarch by the council.
He said, " We truly appreciate your effort at immortalising Alhaji Animashaun and accept our gratitude for deeming it worthy to confer enduring fame on him."
