TheCable

Ibrahim Babangida, former military head of state, has described Segun Osoba (pictured) as a civilian general who practised journalism with much dedication and passion.

In his congratulatory message to Osoba on his 80th birthday, Babangida said the former governor of Ogun state was like a bridge between the military government and Nigerians.

He said Osoba was embedded with various talents for solving hard situations and was one of the few Nigerians who are ‘not concerned about the tribe one belongs to before writing credible information’.

He also said Osoba, a former managing director of Daily Times and The Sketch, recorded great strides as a journalist even when technology was still a huge challenge.

“As young minds in those days, we socialised maximally without thinking about tribe or religion. We made good use of our prime and ensured that we left no stone unturned,” he said.

“Even as military officers, we had good company in our ‘bloody’ civilians who complimented (complemented) our networks. Chief Osoba was one of such ‘civilian generals’ who knew so well how to cultivate friendship and derive happiness from a seemingly gloomy situation.

“He has a knack for unravelling the unknown. When we needed to feel the pulse of the Nation, Chief Osoba became handy. He was more like a bridge between us and the people.

“Despite being ‘stubborn’ with extremely brilliance, he has a boss that understands his ‘wiles’ and ‘tricks’, both in letter and spirit.”

Babangida added that all credit must go to Osoba’s wife whose “ability to manage Osoba’s excesses till date deserves more than a gold award and a standing ovation”.