Lagos: Mr. Hakeem Bello, a former Editor of the Daily Times, was celebrated by the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, media veterans, and scholars as he marked his 60th birthday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, notable personalities like Lade Bonuola, Eniola Bello, Taiwo Obe, and scholars such as Professors Tunde Akanni, Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, Wumi Raji, and Akin Adesokan, joined in paying tribute to Bello. He was recognized not only for his contributions to journalism but also for his role as Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Fashola during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing.
The tributes were compiled in 'The €š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬t nd¡ Anthology', a collection of reflections and essays published in Bello's honor. In the book's Foreword, Fashola described Bello as a selfless patriot whose sacrifices have defined loyalty and service. Fashola credited Bello with resigning from his own job to support Fashola's early political career, highlighting his humility and commitment to family and professional responsibilities.
Published by Kraft Books Limited, the 324-page volume was edited by Baraka Bello, W¹nmb¡y´ Lºp¬t n, and Stanley Ugagbe. The anthology features contributions from media veterans such as Lade Bonuola, Eniola Bello, and Taiwo Obe, who praised Bello's discipline and humility. Bonuola, in particular, emphasized Bello's integrity and consistency as a colleague and public servant.
Contributions from scholars like Prof. Tunde Olusunle and Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah highlighted Bello's intellect and moral standing. Prof. Na'Allah noted Bello's distinguished academic background, including his top-grade thesis on Wole Soyinka. Colleagues such as Prof. Akin Adesokan and Prof. Wumi Raji also commended Bello for his intelligence and grace.
Family tributes in the anthology reflected the personal side of Bello's life. His wife, Alhaja Habeebat Bello, and their children shared heartfelt reflections on his role as a responsible husband and father. The anthology also included essays addressing contemporary issues in media, such as a piece by Mr. Chukwudi Enebeli on the challenges of fake news and cyberbullying.
In celebrating Bello's 60th birthday, The €š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬t nd¡ Anthology honors his legacy of truth, service, and dedication to others.