In a heartfelt celebration that blended reflection with hope, Musliudeen Adebayo, the Oyo State Correspondent for Daily Post, launched his autobiography titled “DEFYING EXPECTATIONS: My Story of Perseverance from Conductor to Journalist.” The event, which doubled as his 40th birthday celebration, took place at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Graced by dignitaries from across the state and beyond, the occasion attracted notable figures including the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Adebayo’s book chronicles his remarkable journey from a childhood marked by hardship and orphanhood in Ibadan to becoming a respected journalist.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work, Adebayo shared how his resilience and determination helped him rise above life’s challenges to achieve success at 40.
Unveiling the book, the Oyo state Governor , Engr Seyi Makinde, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Olanrewaju Suleiman, praised Adebayo’s grit and described his story as a testament to what hard work and tenacity can achieve while reiterating his administration’s commitment to improving education, especially for underprivileged children.
Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Home Cemetery, Ibadan, Dr. Adebukola Kadiri, commended the author’s initiative, noting that the book serves as a beacon of hope for indigent children striving for a better future.
Delivering the keynote address on “Redirecting Youthful Energy Towards Positive Self and National Development,” Dr. Bayonle Busari of Lead City University emphasised the importance of education, mentorship, and youth inclusion in governance to transform the lives of vulnerable children.
The book reviewer, Professor Rahman Akinoso of the University of Ibadan, praised the book’s engaging storytelling and visual illustrations.
He encouraged adapting the autobiography into a storybook format for secondary school students, noting its potential to inspire young readers with a real-life success story.
In his remarks, NUJ Oyo State Council Chairman, Chief Demola Babalola, celebrated Adebayo as a role model for struggling youth, highlighting the power of persistency and the belief that one’s background should never limit their future.
Musliudeen Adebayo’s life story is more than a personal milestone—it’s a message to every child facing adversity that dreams are valid, and with grit, they are achievable.”
