Monday, 13 November 2023 04:48

Folu Olamiti’s Peep into the Past crafted for politicians, academicians and students - Tola Adeniyi

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Lawrence Mofoluwaso Olamiti is essentially a newsman, an inquisitive reporter in the footsteps of Africa's legendary news hounds like inimitable Segun Osoba. Theo Ola, Peter Ajayi, Dayo Duyile, Femi Ogunleye, Femi Sonaike and Sola Odunfa to mention a few. He masters the rudiments, the art and craft of news reporting the way a surgeon trains his scalpels. Luckily for Folu, fortune brought him into the notice of the Sage, Obafemi Awolowo, very early in his career and this singular fortune enriched the quality and scope of his news reporting and eventful  journalism career.

As to be expected, A PEEP INTO THE PAST Chronicles the most outstanding news and feature stories written by Folu over the years and most of those stories are about Awolowo's journeys and travails in politics since 1978, the year the Unity Party of Nigeria ( UPN) was founded. This is where Folu's exceptional reportorial skills are best demonstrated, and surprisingly so, because this period coincided with his formative years in journalism. 

The section titled Tributes is a grand display of emotions and appreciation. And leaving through those pages Olamiti as  a very sincere and appreciative being who places a great premium on friendship. He also lavished on those who have helped him one way or the other in his climb in the journey of life.  The tribute to the Matriarch of Awo Dynasty, Hannah  Dideolu Awolowo, gives an insight into the historic lady's under-estimated greatness and political sagacity.  The piece is a classic example of Folu's mastery of imagery and visuals and Mrs Awolowo is presented in a way that one feels her physical presence.  

The same vividness runs through the tributes to Caroline Akin-Deko, Arisekola Alao, Isaac Aluko-Olokun, MacDonald  Chikwendu Nwariaku, Uriah Angulu, Ebenezer Babatope,

and Rufus Eniola Ariyo,

among several people Folu brings up for praise and appreciation. 

This book is more or less a guide and a tutorial on political reporting as well as a study in human and public relations.  Even though it is not a biography or autobiography, it nonetheless reveals the innermost character trait of Folu as a humanist, a philosopher imbued with deepest candour and spiritual piety. It could well have been titled “A Peep into Folu's Mind”.

It is in the travelogue that Folu displays his mastery of prose and development of cinematography in a way that marks him out as a distinguished record keeper with keen eye on details. He describes the towns, cities and other places he has visited such that would create curiosity in the reader and may compel unscheduled adventure. His narratives are so appetizing and tantalizing and the reader is put in the same mode of a traveller thirsting for wine.

The book gives vivid account of Folu's meritorious service as the longest Resident Public Affairs Director for the Independent  Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC) as well as an insight  into the workings of the Agency. 

Similar attention is given to Idanre, the place of his birth, which he celebrates to no end. Idanre to Folu is like Water to Life, or more appropriately like Air to Life. It is with the same gusto he treats Idanre he gives to narratives about his international affairs.

A PEEP INTO THE PAST is a book that showcases news reporting features writing exemplary deployment of images and imagery, while in the same vein shows the techniques of public relations and image management. The reader is led into the workings of international journalism, international politics, and how rare opportunities shape the life of man.

The book has opened my mind to Olamiti's mind, and readers will find the book stimulating and engaging. A Peep into the Past is highly recommended to Journalism institutions as well as students of public and human relations. 

June 28, 2025

Nigeria experiences sharp decline in Foreign Investment as FDI fell 19% in Q1 2025

Nigeria’s appeal to foreign investors continued to wane in the first quarter of 2025, with…
June 26, 2025

Peter Obi decries ‘coordinated lawlessness’ after brother’s property is demolished in Lagos without court order

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned what he described as a brazen act of…
June 28, 2025

7 genius responses to ‘put rude people in their place,’ according to communication experts

Kathy & Ross Petras Rude people are, sadly, all around us. We deal with them…
June 21, 2025

Man convicted of posing as flight attendant to fly for free 120 times

A 35-year-old American man has been found guilty of impersonating a flight attendant at least…
June 26, 2025

17 soldiers killed, dozens injured in fierce gun battles with terrorists in Niger, Kaduna

Seventeen soldiers have been confirmed dead and at least ten others injured following coordinated attacks…
June 28, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 631

Battling to survive, Hamas faces defiant clans and doubts over Iran Short of commanders, deprived…
June 25, 2025

Tesla robotaxi launch: Why getting from dozens to millions of self-driving cars won't be easy

Tesla (TSLA.O) finally has a robotaxi. Now comes the hard part. The electric-vehicle maker deployed…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.