- Westo Adekunle Adejumo | Premier World News
Students, academics, journalists and media stakeholders gathered at the historic Iwe-Iroyin Hall, Abeokuta, to celebrate Mass Communication student, Comrade Kunle Sodipo, who marked his 43rd birthday with the launch of his new book, My Take, a publication that advocates responsible citizenship and offers practical ideas for addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges.
The event attracted members of the 400-Level Mass Communication Department of Crescent University, Abeokuta, alongside media professionals, university lecturers and other distinguished guests who commended the author for using literature as a platform to promote national development.
Leading the students’ delegation were Westo Adekunle Adejumo, Ayinde Olawunmi Aminat, Daudu Ehikioya and Mr. and Mrs. Subair Olakunle.
Other classmates in attendance included Adeola Sunmonu, Ajiboye Adebowale, Abolawa Ilori, Afolabi Olatorera, Olaniyan Olawale David, Miss Tolani, Aridegbe Ahmad, Moses Okunlola, Abiodun Olawunmi Abosede and several others from both the D1 and D4 classes.
The delegation not only attended the ceremony but also collectively supported the book launch through financial contributions, describing the occasion as a proud moment for one of their own while celebrating his academic and literary achievement.
Speaking during a media interview shortly after the event, Sodipo explained that the inspiration behind My Take came from years of writing and his experiences both within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, exposure to different societies changed his perspective on nation-building and reinforced his conviction that citizens have a vital role to play in transforming their country.
“I have written over 200 articles spread across Nigeria, Africa and the world. When I travelled outside Nigeria to Southern Africa and Europe, my eyes were opened to the fact that building a country requires citizens who understand that their individual roles are critical”, he said.
Sodipo noted that while many people focus on criticising governments, he deliberately chose to propose practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
“I felt it wasn’t enough to criticise government or criticise the people. I must also offer solutions. If those solutions are accepted, they can help improve the current predicament of my country”, he stated.
The author described Nigeria as “a hospital patient” requiring sincere diagnosis and treatment rather than denial of existing problems.
“We cannot pretend that all is well. There are many positive things about Nigeria, but there are also serious challenges that require solutions”, he added.
Sodipo further expressed his desire to see Nigeria become a country respected across the world.
“I want to be a Nigerian who is respected outside Nigeria. That respect comes when your country is economically strong, socially stable, financially healthy and environmentally serene”.
While acknowledging the efforts of political office holders at different levels of government, he challenged Nigerians to honestly assess the country’s performance.
Quoting renowned football manager José Mourinho, he said: “The only team you cannot change is a winning team”.
He continued: “The question is: Nigeria as a team, are we winning? Look at security, look at the economy and many other sectors. Are we winning? I have answered that question in my book”.
The event also featured intellectual contributions from notable academics and media personalities.
Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Crescent University, Dr. Kola Adesina, joined other speakers in encouraging students to embrace reading, research and continuous intellectual development.
Dr. Peter Adebimpe reviewed the book, while Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Dr. Jamiu Folarin, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, alongside other journalists, media practitioners and institutional leaders, graced the occasion.
Several speakers echoed concerns over the declining reading culture among young Nigerians and urged students to cultivate reading habits capable of producing informed citizens and responsible leaders.
The launch of My Take therefore became more than a birthday celebration, evolving into a broader conversation on nation-building, responsible citizenship, intellectual engagement and the role of literature in shaping Nigeria’s future.
For members of the Crescent University Mass Communication Class of 2026, the occasion equally reflected the enduring bond among classmates, whose collective presence and support spotlighted their appreciation of Sodipo’s literary accomplishment and commitment to national discourse.
