By Stanley Onyekwere
What was intended to be an ordinary gathering during a working trip turned into a deeply emotional celebration as media practitioners and public communication aides pulled off a surprise 50th birthday celebration for Sikiru Abidemi, a seasoned correspondent with Arise TV.
The celebrant was visibly moved to tears as colleagues, friends, and associates gathered to honor him as a supportive mentor and selfless leader dedicated to the success of others.
Speaking during the surprise gathering, Kumbi Aboluwade of Channels Television expressed appreciation for Abidemi’s continuous guidance and willingness to offer wise counsel.
Aboluwade noted that despite the competitive nature of the media and public relations landscape, Abidemi stands out by prioritizing the growth of those around him.
“You take the burden off our shoulders. Even today, on your birthday, you are still trying to give advice, encouraging us, and making sure we succeed. In an environment where people often compete, you are always guiding us to do the right thing,” Aboluwade said, wishing him many more years of success and divine favour.
Joining in the tributes, Gbenga Omokhunu of The Nation newspaper reflected on the celebrant’s resilience and friendly disposition, noting how his life journey serves as an inspiration to many in the media space.
In his remarks celebrating the golden jubilee, Olayinka Lere, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the FCT Minister, delivered a moving tribute focused on divine grace, resilience, and triumph over adversity, directly addressing the emotional atmosphere
“I have always said that there is a lot in my life that we need to learn. Don’t let anybody dictate your life. Nobody has the right to say that a certain fate will happen to you. Whatever happens to you in life, it is ultimately what God wills.
“I was asking myself: How did I get to this stage of life? Thank God it did not happen to me, despite what others expected based on their own outlook. Let us look back and evaluate what we have invested in this.
“Nobody has control over our lives—nobody at all, except God, the one who created us.
“Keep doing the good things that people see you doing. The things some of us see as bad, God will help you to overcome,” he stated.
Overwhelmed by the surprise gesture and the outpouring of affection, the celebrant, Sikiru Abidemi, fought back tears as he expressed deep gratitude for reaching the milestone age of 50 despite life’s challenges.
An emotional Abidemi said: “It feels good. Consider the trials and situations we pass through, things that even our parents and families might not fully know or tell us about. For all of this, we give glory to God.”
Pivoting to the state of modern reportage, the Arise TV correspondent issued a passionate call for professional standards and ethics across the industry.
“We need to address the realities of our field. Journalism has been bastardized today; anyone who picks up a phone thinks they can be a journalist just because they want breaking news.
“We must restore respect to journalism, because we are the true mouthpiece of the people. Whenever I speak, I speak straight to the hearts of the people,” Abidemi declared.
The surprise celebration concluded on a warm, emotional, and celebratory note as Abidemi received a cake, cash token, and prayers for long life, strength, and continued excellence in his journalism career.
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