Amidst torrents of tributes, Toyosi Ogunseye has signed out as editor of Sunday Punch.
Staff of the newspaper held a sent-off reception for Ogunseye on the eve of her departure last Saturday ahead of resuming as Head of Language Services of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in West Africa.
READ TOYOSI OGUNSEYE JOINS BBC
Excerpts from the tributes compiled by Seye Joseph are reproduced below:
ROLE MODEL LIKE NO OTHER
For a long time, I have been looking for a role model. A woman I can emulate (I was tired of seeing men on top). I admire a lot of women but I wasn’t satisfied with their achievements. Thank God for NYSC. The first time I saw you I was when you were introduced by the ED and I was carried away by your beautiful skin.
After I got home, I declared to my family and close friends that I now have a role model and they were surprised to see me affected by someone.
Ma, I can go and on. Yes, I haven’t known you for so long, but I am very satisfied that I had the opportunity to meet you. I love your dress sense. I love the way you carry yourself. I love the fact that you stand your ground. Thank you for going through all my problems. Protected me like a mother hen.
Joy Marcus
UNEQUALLED BLESSING
If I have to describe you in just one word, it would be “unassuming”. I’ve never known you to allude to, let alone speak of your superior wit. And yet, there it is – wisdom in all its purity and depth facing every earned reprimand and wise counsel.
Bosses are a dime a dozen, I must say, but your sisterly warmth makes you an unequalled blessing of a leader priceless.
I owe every infinitesimal milestone of my career to you without a doubt. My friends and family can attest. Heck, for anyone who knows me, the odds they’ve heard the legend of Toyosi Ogunseye at least once are pretty high.
I know the heavens will stay open over you. What I pray for now is that as you have poured into mine and the lives of so many others, God will return to you much, much more. This is just the beginning.
Tobi
YOU HAVE HELPED ME A GREAT DEAL
You have been more than a blessing to me. When I look back at where I was in my career and where I am now, I can only thank you. You have helped me a great deal. I am definitely proud of where I am now.
Please know Ma that I would never forget you. If I give you a million bucks, it would still not show you how grateful I am to have met you.
I look forward to meeting you in the future, I am so happy for what God is doing in your life, just the beginning I know.
I celebrate your new position; bigger shoes are coming your way. Enjoy the ride with God by your side.
Motunrayo Joel
INSPIRATION TO OLD AND YOUNG GENERATION
My wonderful editor, I remember vividly my first physical encounter with you. It was when you came to Akure for a special assignment. Since then, I have been monitoring your progress with delight and great admiration. You are a great source of inspiration to both the young and old generation in this pen pushing profession. I sincerely thank you for the opportunity and support you gave me to work with you on the Sunday Punch desk as your News Editor. I wish you a greater success in your entire future endeavour. God bless you Ma.
Sunday Aborisade
MY CRUSH
Ever wondered if one person can be a mother, a sister a friend, a boss and crush at the same time? I stopped wondering when I met Toyoi Ogunseye. Like the mother when she cares and protects, Laughed at my dry jokes and gave me something to ponder about every week. Was always prepared to listen to whatever I had to say. She boosted my creativity. Monday meetings will never be the same again because I won’t be able to see the face of my crush again smiling at me like a sun. Go forth and excel. The world awaits you.
Olanrewaju John
MOTIVATOR AND LEADER
I still haven’t been able to put together the rights to apply describe the memories I have working with you.
You are a motivator and a leader. With you, impossibility is nothing! And that philosophy has guided me since we worked closely together in Sunday Punch.
We are all going to miss you, your smiles and laughter. But no doubt, you will as usual, give your best in your new endeavour, that I can assure anyone.
Carry go my editor, God’s blessing with continue to be with you.
Tana Aiyejina,
Sport Desk
YOU ARE UNIQUE
Your life is a repertoire of humility, firmness, elegance, professionalism and doggedness. Your new chapter underpins your uniqueness. It’s a colourful page in a brand new year.
Gbenga Adiniji
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
In response to the reception and tribute, Ogunseye wrote in a whatsapp post “ My Punch family! Sunday Punch! Thank you so much for this awesome surprise send-off on the eve of my departure. God bless you!”
