Dignitaries from across a large spectrum of the social stratification, are expected to converge on Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State for the launch of a new memoir authored by Musliudeen Atanda Adebayo, the Oyo State correspondent for Daily Post Newspaper..
The book, titled “Defying Expectations: My Story of Perseverance from a Conductor to Journalist”, is set to be formally unveiled on Sunday, April 20, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
In a statement by the book author, the book launch is coinciding with the celebration of his 40th birthday.
Among the dignitaries confirmed for the ceremony are the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin; and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South in the National Assembly.
Former governor of the state, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, is also expected to attend.
Also slated to be in attendance are Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, Hon. Edward Ogundoyin; federal lawmakers, including Hon. Abass Adigun (Ibadan North East/South East) and Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Oluyole Federal Constituency); as well as the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaimon Ajewole.
Notable religious leaders and academics have also been listed among attendees, including the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Yunus Olushina Teliat (Ayilara II, PhD); Prof. Yemisi Lydia Olaleye of the Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan; Dr. Adebukola Kadiri, CEO of Eternal Home Cemetery; and Dr. Bayo Busari of Lead City University, who will deliver a guest lecture.
The occasion will also be graced by Mr. James Bamisaye, Publisher of Daily Post Newspaper; the National President of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), Alhaji Mashood Mustapha; and Professor Rahman Akinoso from the University of Ibadan, who will serve as the book reviewer.
The Chief Host for the event is the Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ, Alhaji Ismail Ademola Babalola.
Other high-profile attendees include Chief Adegboyega Adegoke (Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland); Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; Professor Muslih Tayo Yahaya of MUSWEN; and veteran journalist Dr. Festus Adedayo.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; Oyo State Immigration Comptroller, Mr. Tayo Dada; Oyo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adeniran Tella; Oyo NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Abel Oche Odoba; FRSC Sector Commander, Mrs. Rosemary Alo; Director of National Orientation Agency (Oyo State), Dr. Olukemi Afolayan; Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr. Adekoya Owosibo; and Baameko of Ibadanland, Chief Saheed Oladele, are also expected at the book launch.
The list continues with academic experts such as Dr. M.I. Ojedokun, Head of the Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan; Professors James Ayangunna and Emeka Okafor; Dr. Dauda Busari from the Department of Sociology; and other lecturers, professionals, and community stakeholders. Representatives of associations and alumni bodies such as NASoW, NUJ, Legacy Stars of Ibadan, Ibadan Mega Voice, and the University of Jos Alumni Association are also billed to attend.
In the statement, the author, Adebayo, shared that the memoir captures the defining experiences of his life from birth to his 40th year. It highlights his family roots, childhood, education, marriage, career journey, and academic pursuits. He recounted how he once worked as a bus conductor at CMS Park 4 in Lagos between 2004 and 2009, and also engaged in various menial jobs including recharge card vending and sales to finance his university education.
Adebayo noted that the book aims to inspire youths and serve as a motivational tool for those facing daunting life challenges. He expressed hope that readers would find meaningful lessons in the pages of his story. “The book will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and students, as well as a legacy document for family and future generations. It is a product of resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding belief in self-advancement,” he said.
Adebayo is a trained social worker and doctoral student in the Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Administration from the University of Jos (2010), a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja (2012), and a Master of Science in Sociology (Medical Sociology) from the University of Ibadan (2021).
He currently serves as the National Public Relations Officrt of NASoW. He is equally affiliated with multiple professional and alumni associations.
Adebayo concluded by announcing that both hard and electronic copies of “Defying Expectations: My Story of Perseverance from Conductor to Journalist” are now available. Mega Voice, and the University of Jos Alumni Association are also billed to attend.
In the statement, the author, Adebayo, shared that the memoir captures the defining experiences of his life from birth to his 40th year. It highlights his family roots, childhood, education, marriage, career journey, and academic pursuits. He recounted how he once worked as a bus conductor at CMS Park 4 in Lagos between 2004 and 2009, and also engaged in various menial jobs including recharge card vending and sales to finance his university education.
Adebayo noted that the book aims to inspire youths and serve as a motivational tool for those facing daunting life challenges. He expressed hope that readers would find meaningful lessons in the pages of his story. “The book will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and students, as well as a legacy document for family and future generations. It is a product of resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding belief in self-advancement,” he said.
Adebayo is a trained social worker and doctoral student in the Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Administration from the University of Jos (2010), a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja (2012), and a Master of Science in Sociology (Medical Sociology) from the University of Ibadan (2021). He currently serves as the National PRO of NASoW and is affiliated with multiple professional and alumni associations.
