Yemi Farounbi is a name that needs little or no introduction. His fame spread far beyond his town of noble birth, Ora in Osun State. He achieved great attainments at a relatively young age. A manager of men and resources, he is a broadcaster, a teacher, an administrator, a diplomat and a politician. Farounbi is a steadfast advocate for effective communication, good governance, all-round growth and sustainable national development for the benefit of a greater number of people.
Dr Farounbi OON is a man of honour, self-preservation, dignity and integrity. He is a man of no little achievements and attainments in all his areas of endeavour. He reached the pinnacle of his professional career when he was appointed as the General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Ibadan and Akure in 1977 at the relatively young age of 33.
Yemi Farounbi is a titan, a man of many parts. He is a leader, a mentor, a pathfinder, a path-bearer, and the oasis of hope for many of his followers. Even, at an old age, he remains the leading light, which many members of the pen-pushing profession are following. He is, indeed, a shining example of service to humanity.
Mr Lanre Ogundipe, a former president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in his “TRIBUTE: Yemi Farounbi, A Colossus/Idealist @ 80”, described him thus: “Yemi, as he was fondly called by the Late Cicero of Esa-Oke, Uncle Bola Ige, is like a sprawling road: the more you travel on it, the more it extends. Yemi Farounbi is like the elephant explored by a blind man, with each part touched, forming an impression and describing the massive beast, based on the part of it he experienced.
“Yemi Farounbi, in his forte, the media, either as a practitioner, administrator, and/or teacher, is an all-rounder. He is a doyen in Communication Arts: a very distinctive personality with the frame and revolutionary posture of the famous Cuban President, the Late Fidel Castrol.”
Dr Farounbi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and Kingdom of Cambodia, turned 80 on October 1, 2024, having been destined and fated to come to this part of the world, on October 1, 1944, same date—though 16 years earlier—that our potentially-prosperous but beleaguered country, Nigeria, became independent, free from the apron-string of its former colonial master, Britain.
Refusal To Have A Loud Celebration
Attaining the age of 80, hale and hearty, in the contemporary times where almost everything is almost topsy-turvy in all facets of our national life, is a great milestone worthy of all celebrations. The silent celebration of the birthday of the iconic Dr Yemi Farounbi has come and gone but the echoes and inherent lessons therein remain with us.
Arrangements and plans were in the offing…contributions were being made towards the day. To demonstrate the fact that he was not averse to the arrangement, he also made a personal donation to the contributions. However, it will be on record that the great Yemi Farounbi refused to be celebrated on his 80th birthday, even by close friends, associates and admirers, both young and old. Despite persuasions from many, the man stood his ground…he insisted and said the present dark mood of the country does not call for any loud celebration, pomp and pageantry.
The celebrant was opposed to and vehemently rejected attempts by his lieutenants to hold a small birthday party in his honour. The reason: He was not happy with the state of the Nigerian State. “What is good about the present state of my beloved country, Nigeria, that will call for the celebration of my 80th birthday? Why should we be having a fair when we don’t have anything worthy to be celebrated on the 64th Independence Anniversary of our country?
“I am no longer happy that I share the same October 1 with the country of my birth. I know that Nigerians are not happy with October 1…even the nation is not happy with itself. It will amount to sheer hypocrisy, rolling out the drums to celebrate me when the majority of Nigerians are bemoaning abject hunger and poverty. It will amount to joining the oppressive class to mock the oppressed in the pervading joblessness, insecurity and stunted national development,” Dr Yemi Farounbi told this writer, a few days before his 80th birthday anniversary.
Yemi Farounbi: An Icon That The Hypocritical Elite Ignores
Naturally, the birthday anniversary of a great man like Yemi Farounbi will not go unnoticed. Many prominent Nigerians, especially politicians from the South-West, who are crazily in love with the klieg lights and the attendant publicity and glamour would have been running around head-over-heel to be mentioned in such a celebration. Indeed, the celebrant, if he had been a worldly man, would have seized such an opportunity to make hundreds of millions of Naira for himself from donations—cash and materials—that would have streamed in.
Though the man had turned down all overtures made to him by his close friends and associates to allow for even a modest celebration, it was nonetheless the expectation that Yemi Farounbi Day would not pass by without a mention from the elite, especially the political class. Sadly, however, there was a deafening graveyard silence from the high and mighty on the very day the iconic man turned 80. Except for a few people, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, it was a conspiracy of the sycophantic and hypocritical political class that chose to go deaf and dumb, failing to extend even just mere birthday wishes to the patriotic Nigerian who has dedicated his life to the noble cause of a good society and its people.
Governor Adeleke celebrated the legendary veteran broadcast journalist’s endearing contributions to national growth and development. He noted the excellence that defines the professional trajectory of Dr. Farounbi, counting for his elevation to the prestigious position of the General Manager of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan and Akure in his early 30s.
The governor acknowledged Dr. Farounbi’s role in the formation of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), shortly after the creation of Osun from Oyo State under his late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
Celebrating the man of no little achievements in the media field and who has been inspiring generations to excellence, Adeleke stated thus in a congratulatory message: “I join family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate a leading figure in the media field, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Dr. Farounbi is a phenomenon who inspires a great deal of sense of duty in anyone willing to learn, promoting excellence in everything he does.
“Through hard work and devotion, Dr. Farounbi braves the odds in a complex profession as the media, attaining not just personal goals but also becoming a symbol for anyone aspiring to go into that field. On his birthday, I recognise the octogenarian’s past contributions to Osun, particularly in journalism, and hope for the benefits that his mentorship holds for the future.”
Similarly, Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former federal lawmaker, was full of admiration and adulation for Farounbi, a man with a distinguished life.
“Few men in our country’s history have been privileged to serve the nation in so many important capacities as have you, and certainly not so many have done so with greater brilliance and devotion. I watched you keenly as a doyen in the media industry, your primary constituency; in the political arena, where you carved a niche for yourself as an idealist, a disciple of the truth, and a prophet of social rightness.
To me, it is also remarkable that after so many years given to the public service, brilliant scorecards in the political arena, and outstanding deliveries in various assignments involving governmental responsibilities, you still stand gigantic among the most esteemed characters in our nation’ history.
“The justification of my own part of the bible of tributes you’d get today is my long and close relationship with you, during which I position myself as a mentee to garner a lot from your long experience, wise understanding and eminent positioning in the community of patriotic Nigerians. All of us who are opportune to have walked with you are proud of you, assuredly that we know you had done your best in the best interest of our dear nation and for the betterment of humanity,” Omisore stated in his congratulatory message.
Not left out, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, congratulated Dr Farounbi for his remarkable achievements, immense contributions to national development, and unwavering dedication to his field. He described the remarkable life of the seasoned media administration as an inspiration to many and praised his legacies of excellence, patriotism, and commitment to the betterment of society.
The lawmaker lauded Ambassador Farounbi for his diplomatic service, taking cognizance of the indelible marks he has left on Nigeria’s international relations and media landscape. Senator Alli also noted his dedication to promoting Nigeria’s image abroad and fostering peace, emphasising his lifetime of selfless service. He expressed the hope that his life would continue to inspire and uplift the country.
The Hero Unforgotten By His Constituency
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council also did not fail to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Dr Farounbi to the journalism profession. In its congratulatory message to the icon on his birthday, chairman and secretary of NUJ, Oyo Council, Chief Ademola Babalola and Olusola Oladapo, respectively, described Farounbi as a man of honour who loves journalism and has also mentored younger generations of journalists.
This remarkable milestone, aligning with Nigeria’s independence anniversary, gives us a unique reason to honour, your contributions to the media and diplomacy, and your enduring commitment to our nation’s progress. Your illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has been a beacon of effective communication and representation on national and international platforms.
“As Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia, you have exemplified the essence of diplomacy, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and understanding between nations, especially on the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Philippines on one hand, and the Kingdom of Cambodia on the other hand.
Your steadfast advocacy for the media’s vital role in shaping democracy and civic engagement has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian landscape. The wisdom you possess, coupled with your unique personal journey, reflects not only your dedication but also your resilience and hope for a brighter Nigeria.
“While you may share mixed feelings about your birthday coinciding with our nation’s independence, we stand alongside you in optimism. We believe, as you do, that Nigeria is destined for greatness once again. As you celebrate this significant day, may you be surrounded by love, joy, and the admiration of all those whose lives you’ve touched. We look forward to more years of inspiration from your remarkable journey,” the message read in part.
A Man With Uncommon Sense Of Patriotism
Despite the general sense of loss and despondency across the country, Dr Farounbi remains an incurable optimist. He is a man imbued with a great and uncommon sense of patriotism. Despite our despicable and chaotic national outlook, the man of letters has refused to be a pessimist. Rather, he is a man of rare conviction…firmly believing that Nigeria will surely rise from its present precarious situation and live up to expectations…that it will become a great nation that will give hope and a sense of living to its people. He is of the firm conviction that Nigeria will rise to the challenges and become a source of pride to Nigerians, Africans, and, indeed, the Black Man anywhere in the world.
He always tells the writer that “Nigeria will be great again.” The summation of the several interviews he had with this writer is the contagious optimism: “I am always and I will forever be a proud Nigerian. You may believe it or not, Nigeria is going to change. Nigeria is not going to remain backwards-looking as it is. If anybody believes that Nigeria will continue like this, tell him I, Yemi Farounbi, say no; Nigeria has a better future.”
Letting The Cat Out Of The Bag
Dr Yemi Farounbi is always appreciative of the fact that he was born a Nigerian. He is more appreciative that he was in an era when Nigeria held the ace as the hope of Black Africa. Still romantic with the Nigerian glorious past, a conversation ensued thus between him and this writer, a day after his 80th birthday anniversary:
Me: I can understand your preference for a quite uncelebrated birthday anniversary, but don’t you think your friends, colleagues, associates and followers are not happy that you didn’t allow them to celebrate you?
Farounbi: Honestly, I understand very well the genuine desire of my people, including the rascally you, to celebrate me. Every individual will want to be celebrated. It is, indeed, a mark of great honour and recognition to be celebrated. I know that my people are not too happy, but they understand me. Sincerely speaking, why should I celebrate? What is the essence of a loud birthday celebration amid the sufferings, pains, anguish, hunger and poverty that the majority of Nigerians are going through? It would amount to mean that I have joined the hypocrites to make a mockery of the vast majority of Nigerians who are on the lower wrung of the ladder.
Twenty (20) years ago, when I turned 60, a lavish birthday party was organised for me: King Sunny Ade) KSA) and Micho Ade were on the bandstand. People had enough to eat and drink. I was happy, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I want to be in a position where I can contribute more positively and meaningfully to the lives of a greater number. I want to do something that will be more lasting and enduring.
Me: What exactly do you have in mind, going forward?
Farounbi: You this rascal, you want me to let the cat out of the bag. Though what I have in mind is known to some of my associates, it is not yet made public. But since you have become this inquisitive, I can let you into it, and by so doing, you are also a part of it. You are now part of the planning and execution.
I desire to institute an endowment fund in four of the places I have impacted. As a journalist with several years of experience, I want to institute an endowment fund with the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA). There should be an award in my name for one of the best-practicing journalists we have around us. I want to do something similar in three higher institutions where I have taught students. I want to institute something like the Best Graduating Student of Mass Communications at The Polytechnic, Ibadan; something like the Best Master Student of Communication and Language Arts at the University of Ibadan; the same thing I want to replicate at the Lead City University, Ibadan.
This is my pre-occupation for now. It is a legacy more enduring; it will make more impact in the lives of the beneficiaries. It is in the offing; we are at the planning stage. Like I said earlier, now that you know, you are a part of the project. You will join other like-minded minds in its planning and execution. After putting this in place, you guys can now go ahead and celebrate my birthday. But, even at that, whatever you people can do with the endowment fund will be a good birthday celebration.
Honour For Yemi Farounbi
Nigerian journalists across the print, electronic and online media, planned to honour Dr Farounbi, along with other veterans, with Milestone Recognition Media Icons In Nigeria. According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Gbenga Onayiga, the third edition of the award, will be held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, 17 October, 2024.
Others to be celebrated along with Farounbi included a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr Ladan Salihu, Ms Comfort Obi, Dr Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs Bisi Amagada, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr Dan Agbese, Dr Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Mrs Aina Lewis, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Usman Shuaibu Leman.
The NUJ National Secretariat established the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria to honour living legends in journalism.
Past recipients of the honour included Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu, Chief Segun Osoba, Prince Henry Odukomaya, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, Dr Danladi Bako, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and Dr John Momoh.
What a way to celebrate and honour a man of great attainments who, at an old age, is still enamoured by the zeal, desire and passion to have the Nigeria of his dreams…a land flowing with honey and milk…a land that has enough to meet the needs of its people, but not enough to meet the wants of the greedy?
Once again, Happy 80th Birthday to you, sir, Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi.
•Falade is the Editor/CEO, Newscoven.com
