Farounbi, Oyelade, Adedayo, colleagues celebrate Ayorinde as BCOS veteran retires with memoir

By: AbdulBasit Dosumu

IT was a day of tributes and celebration, on Saturday, at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, (BCOS), Ibadan, as friends, colleagues, family and well-wishers gathered to celebrate, Deputy Director of News, Pastor Abioye Ayorinde, as he bowed out of service with the launch of his memoir.

The twin event, a retirement party and book launch, ,attracted a large turnout of veteran journalists, serving and retired BCOS staff, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),  religious leaders, who extolled the celebrant’s contributions to broadcasting and journalism in Oyo State and beyond.

The memoir, titled: ‘Audacious Odyssey: My experience in journalism,’ is a 102-page book with 34 chapters chronicling the author’s over three decades on the beat.

Speaking at the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said retirement will open new doors of greater fulfillment for Pastor Ayorinde.

Oyelade, himself a veteran journalist and former colleague, described Ayorinde as an accomplished, all-round professional who combines the rare skills of a writer, editor and field reporter.

He recalled his professional relationship with Ayorinde over the years, noting his competence, commitment and principled disposition.

Oyelade urged the celebrant to see retirement not as an end but as an opportunity to explore new possibilities, overcome challenges and deepen his impact on society, particularly through writing, community service and inspirational literature.

He disclosed that he had written three books in the last four years, bringing his total to 10, and challenged Ayorinde to produce more works, describing the memoir as an important beginning.

“He can firmly defend his position without resorting to unnecessary confrontation. The best warriors in life are those who stay low without shouting,” he said, citing Ayorinde as an example of quiet determination and professional courage.

Reviewing the book, veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, Dr Festus Adedayo, described it as a good read and product of a master craftsman.

He recommended the book to journalists, students of history and new entrants into journalism who want to make a success of their careers as Ayorinde has done.

“Ultimately, his memoir tells readers that what makes a journalist is not measured by the caprices you listen to at a particular station for over three decades. It is measured in the cool and measured cadence of his reportage.

“What makes a journalist is measured by the occupational hazards he was able to overcome the tear-gas canisters fired at him, making him temporarily blind; the hostile crossfire the journalist has survived, and the constant survival decisions he has made to stay alive,” he said.

Dr Adedayo said he met Pastor Ayorinde over three decades ago as reporters on the streets of Ibadan and described him as a gentleman of the highest standard and very straightforward.

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In his remarks, Pastor Ayorinde, who was visibly moved by the turnout of friends, colleagues and well-wishers, thanked God for faithfulness through the challenges of journalism while advising upcoming journalists to be strong, courageous, honest and patient.

He appreciated the management and staff of BCOS, the NUJ, friends, colleagues and family for their support over the years.

Friends and colleagues, who spoke at the event, described Ayorinde as humble, dedicated and thoroughbred, noting that his familiar cool voice on BCOS Live became a household name across Oyo State.