From his pioneering role in founding TheNEWS magazine in 1993 to the birth of the iconic City People magazine in 1996, Kehinde has traversed the landscapes of hard and soft journalism, making indelible marks along the way. While many are quick to flaunt success, Kehinde’s modesty remains a defining feature—one that endeared him to family, friends, colleagues, and associates who turned out in numbers to honour him.
The event was not only a celebration of personal achievement but also a platform for national reflection. Among the guests were royal fathers, business leaders, media veterans, and legal luminaries. Those in attendance included HRM Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, Mrs Julie Coker, Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Mr Kunle Ajibade, Mr Tony Chiejina, SAN Wahab Shittu, Aare Dele Momodu, Dr Reuben Abati, Mr Kayode Komolafe, Mrs Esther Ajayi, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, Aare Kola Oyefeso, Oloye Lekan Alabi, and Florence Ita Giwa.
Ebenezer Obey Sets the Tone
Adding colour and nostalgia to the celebration, legendary highlife musician Chief Ebenezer Obey, 83, serenaded guests with timeless classics, creating a festive yet reflective mood. His Inter Reformers Band’s performance symbolised the enduring impact of timeless talent—much like Kehinde’s own legacy in media.
Fashola Delivers Praise and Perspective
The high point of the evening was a keynote lecture titled "Why I am Optimistic About Nigeria", delivered by the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, former Governor of Lagos State and erstwhile Minister of Works and Housing.
Before his lecture, Fashola lavished praise on Kehinde, calling him a "symbol of the Nigerian Dream." He recounted how Kehinde’s rise from modest beginnings to national prominence exemplifies the potential that Nigeria still offers its citizens.
“This is a land where those from the humblest of beginnings have become national champions,” Fashola said. “Seye Kehinde is one of them. The magazine he founded continues to thrive where others have failed. That says something about the vision and the values of the man.”
A Lecture That Stirred the Room
In his lecture, Fashola presented four reasons for his optimism: national identity, branding through the name Nigeria, population potential, and natural/historical assets. He advised Nigerians not to disparage their country but to protect and promote its image, despite current challenges.
Yet his views sparked sharp reactions.
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| Cutting of cake session: Seye Kehinde, his wife, Former Lagos Governor Fashola and others |
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| Rev. Esther Ajayi, Biodun Shobanjo, Fashola and others |
A Call for Leadership and Balance
Veteran actor and Master of Ceremonies, Yemi Shodimu, was quick to raise a critical point: “Where is the role of leadership?” he asked, noting that Fashola’s lecture focused on citizens’ responsibilities while downplaying the obligations of those in power.
Oloye Lekan Alabi took a historical turn, reminiscing about a merit-driven Nigeria at independence. HRM Oba Akintunde Akinyemi went further, challenging Fashola’s optimistic narrative: “We want to say Nigeria is good. But where is the food, the free education, the electricity, the security? You addressed only one side of the coin.”
Bridging the Gap Between Nation and Governance
Mr Yomi Badejo, the Lead Partner of CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting), endorsed Fashola’s point about Nigerians conflating government failure with national identity. “Nigerians love their country. What they resent is leadership failure,” he stressed.
Comrade Funmi Sessy, Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos, lamented the dire insecurity affecting lives and livelihoods. “Farmers can’t go to their farms. People can’t move freely. Many Nigerians abroad would rather be home—but the situation pushes them out.”
Tributes to a Gentle Giant
The evening wound down with heartfelt tributes. Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of Oodua Investment Company, who has attended Kehinde’s milestone birthdays over the decades, praised him for his consistency, humility, and focus.
Aare Dele Momodu, CEO of Ovation magazine, described Kehinde as “one of the most prolific writers Nigeria has ever produced,” adding that his contributions to journalism deserve even greater recognition.
A Moment to Remember
The emotional climax came as the celebrant, joined by his wife Funke, their children, and extended family, cut the birthday cake and swayed to the timeless melodies of Chief Ebenezer Obey. In that moment—surrounded by music, laughter, and love—guests saw not just a celebrated journalist, but a man whose humility, intellect, and humanity have inspired generations.
Indeed, Seye Kehinde’s story is not just about success—it is about grace, grit, and a grounded greatness that continues to shape Nigeria’s media landscape.