Shettima Hails Tribune Columnists Lasisi Olagunju and Farooq Kperogi for Their Intellectual Contributions
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday lauded the contributions of Nigerian Tribune columnist, Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, for his sharp, insightful writing in his column, Monday Lines. Speaking at the launch of the book Persona Non Grata by Mr. Ismail Omipidan, a former media aide to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Shettima emphasized Olagunju’s valuable role in public discourse.
The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton), saw the attendance of senior government officials, editors, former governors, and politicians. Shettima spoke highly of Olagunju’s ability to challenge the government’s policies through well-thought-out critiques. “Love him, hate him, but you can’t ignore him. He writes ferociously. He writes beautifully. His speeches are always laced with African proverbs. Fully, he’s an intellectual,” said Shettima, adding that Olagunju’s contributions are of significant intellectual value.
The Vice President expressed a desire to bring Olagunju to work with the government in Abuja, acknowledging that despite differing views, Olagunju’s intellectual capacity should be harnessed for national development. He humorously mentioned, “We’ll drag you back even if you would travel by road if you’re afraid to fly by air. We need to tap from the intellect of such individuals.”
Shettima also recognized another prominent Nigerian Tribune columnist, Professor Farooq Kperogi, whom he described as an assertive and acerbic critic of the current administration. Shettima praised Kperogi’s directness, stating, “Sometimes, somebody who would tell you the truth to your face is better than somebody who will be singing your high praises and be eyeing you or stabbing you in the back.”
Both Olagunju and Kperogi’s contributions were acknowledged for their honest, direct approach to addressing national issues, with Shettima emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism in governance.
