Tunji Lawal-Solarin said: “As I send my congratulations to the Nigerian Tribune on reaching its 75th anniversary, words that come to mind are colossus, legendary, epic, extraordinary, tenacity, visionary, unparalleled.
“Each of these captures the journey of this iconic newspaper from its inception to its establishment as a mainstay in Nigerian journalism.
“A legacy of the remarkable Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Tribune has lived as a perpetual testament to his vision and ideals, keeping his voice alive on every page of its publication. To many of us, it represents an enduring connection to the memory of Pa Awolowo and his timeless legacy.
“As for the chairman of the board, Ambassador Dr Mrs Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, her role has been nothing short of exceptional. She stands as the torchbearer and guardian of the Awolowo legacy, leading with intellectual depth, resilience and a steadfast commitment.
“Balancing her responsibilities as Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and Convener of the HID Awolowo Foundation, she embodies the strength and grace of the Awolowo family, inspiring confidence in the continuity of Papa’s legacy.
“My personal connection to the Tribune is twofold. First, as a teenager, I remember my cousin, Adewale Solarin, who always purchased the Tribune without fail. When I asked him why, he told me, ‘I feel connected to Pa Awolowo through the Tribune’. This simple act left a lasting impression on me and instilled a lifelong sense of duty to support the ideals associated with Chief Awolowo.
“The second memory comes from my time in Kaduna in the early 1980s, while working as an Area Manager for African Petroleum Plc. Through my work, I interacted with prominent Northern leaders and was pleasantly surprised to learn that many of them read the Tribune, though only in the privacy of their homes. One day, I asked a high-ranking official why, and he confided, ‘In private, many of us Northern leaders and elites admire Chief Awolowo. Reading the Tribune lets us stay close to his philosophy and ideas. This revelation left a profound impact on me as a young Southerner working in the North.
“As Chairman of the Remo Growth and Development Foundation, I made it a point to channel our media engagements through the Tribune. We felt it was our duty, as proud Remo sons and daughters, to identify with Pa Awolowo’s legacy.
“On this milestone occasion, I extend my deepest congratulations to the chairman and the board of Tribune Newspapers for their commitment to journalistic excellence and the noble ideals of Papa Awolowo.
“May the Nigerian Tribune continue to stand as a pacesetter, the epitome of world-class journalism in Nigeria and a model for generations to come. Long may it flourish and expand its reach.”
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