As I join the chorus of well-wishers celebrating Professor Olatunji Dare’s milestone birthday, I am filled with gratitude and fond memories of our time together. While many have rightly hailed him as a distinguished scholar, journalist, author, and satirist and so on, I am honoured to share a personal perspective on this extraordinary individual.
Professor Dare was more than just my thesis supervisor for my Master’s degree in mass communication at the University of Lagos; he was a mentor, a guide, and a guardian. I am proud to be his first Master’s student, and I still marvel at the quality time he devoted to ensuring my success. His unwavering support and guidance helped me navigate the challenges of thesis defence, which was notorious for being a daunting experience in our department at the time.
I vividly recall the day of my defence, when Professor Dare’s meticulous preparation and confidence in me shone brighter than any spotlight. While some colleagues thought it unfair that he didn’t intervene during the defence, I knew that he had equipped me with the knowledge and skills to excel. His anticipation of the panel’s questions and his rigorous rehearsals with me had instilled in me a sense of assurance that remains with me to this day.
Beyond academics, Professor Dare’s influence on my career has been profound.
Not long after my masters degree, Professor Olatunji Dare saw me on the campus one afternoon and called me, “Yellow, ( that is the way he and the late Dr Delu Ogunade used to call me) what are you doing about getting a job or are you still basking in the euphoria of your newly acquired degree?”
There and then, he advised me to go and see “your friend Professor Alfred Opubor” ( they called him my friend because he took a liking for me when he discovered that I could speak French).
The late Professor Opubor was part of a contact group that the late Clarkson Majomi put together to help him set up The Mail Newspaper.
That was how I got a job with The Mail newspaper as the first State House ( Dodan Barracks) Correspondent of the now defunct newspaper.
His counsel and encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration, and his unwavering belief in me has been a beacon of hope in challenging times.
One memorable encounter that exemplifies his character took place during a visit to his home. When I requested a beer, he insisted that I wait for a glass, reminding me that as a Master’s degree holder, I should savor my drink with elegance. This small gesture spoke volumes about his commitment to excellence and his desire to see others excel.
Professor Olatunji Dare embodies the essence of a consummate mentor, a perfect gentleman, and a shining example of academic excellence. His legacy extends far beyond the confines of academia, inspiring generations to strive for greatness. As we celebrate his 80th birthday, I join the chorus of voices paying tribute to this uncommon gift to humanity.
May his life continue to be a blessing to us all, AMEN
