NBTF Mourns the Passing of Iconic Publisher and Mentor, Pa Gabriel Onibonoje

 

NIGERIAN BOOK FAIR TRUST MOURNS THE PASSING OF ICONIC PUBLISHER AND MENTOR, PA GABRIEL ONIBONOJE

 

By: Wole Adedoyin

Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT) has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Late Pa Gabriel Omotayo Onibonoje, who passed away recently. In a statement issued by the council and management of NBFT, the organization commiserated with Onibonoje’s family, management, and staff of G.O Onibonoje Publishers, Nigerian Publishers Association, and the entire players within the Nigerian book ecosystem on the death of this illustrious personality.

NBFT Chairman, Dare Oluwatuyi, and Secretary, Abiodun Omotubi, expressed their deepest condolences on behalf of the organization to the family of Pa Onibonoje and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

According to the statement, Pa Onibonoje was a man full of wisdom, enviable character, and hospitality, who was on record as being one of the eminent pioneers that set the pace for modern indigenous book publishing in Nigeria and Africa. For NBFT in particular, Late Pa Onibonoje was not only an icon within their ranks, but also a former recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award of the organization.

Pa Onibonoje was a man full of passion for the development of indigenous book publishing in Nigeria and Africa, and was an author of many books, the pride of many scholars. He was a trainer and developer of minds, and many great owners of indigenous book publishing firms in Nigeria today were nurtured and mentored by him. He was a man full of vision and vigour during his very active days in the book publishing business.

In his honour, NBFT acknowledged that the evergreen works of literature he authored and published will always make his memory fresh in the minds of lovers of books in many generations to come. Pa Onibonoje lived a fulfilled life, and his legacy will continue to inspire many in the Nigerian book industry.

The statement read, “Let us take solace in the fact that Pa Onibonoje lived a fulfilled life. The evergreen works of literature he authored and published will always make his memory fresh in the minds of lovers of books in many generations to come. Adieu Pa Gabriel Omotayo Onibonoje. May the Almighty God give the bereaved family members and the entire members of the Nigerian Book Industry the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Please accept our condolences.”

According to the Statement, Pa Onibonoje, will always be remembered as a man of vision, passion, and integrity, who made an indelible mark on the Nigerian book industry. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”