By John Joshua
According to William Shakespeare ” Some are born great, others achieve Greatness , while others have greatness bestowed on them.
Segun Samson Abrams belongs to the breed of those who achieved greatness by the dogged spirit of hardwork, perseverance, tenacity, integrity and belief in the power of God to make all things possible for those who diligently seek him.
Abrams, Publisher of Fresh Facts Newspapers alongside 62 eminent Recipients of national award was confered with the prestigious National Honour of Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, by
President Muhammadu Buhari along side others at an impressive ceremony at the International Conference Centre , Abuja today Tuesday October 11th, 2022.
The name Segun Samson Abram strikes a familiar cord among media practitioners in the country. The Publisher of Fresh Facts Newspapers is one of the fiery writers to have emerged from the era of the Military dictatorship when Publishing was a high risk job. His road to the top has indeed been laced with lots of thorns, twists and turns.
Schooled at the famous Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria, Abrams began his career at a very young age when he emerged as the Editor- In Chief of Watcdog Magazine at the age of 24. He went to establish Network Magazine alongside some Northern oligarchs where he was also appointed as the Editor- In Chief/ CEO.
His trajectory as a dye in the wood Journalist has seen him transversed the length and breadth of the world and secured him membership of reputable world acclaimed bodies.
My part first crossed with Abrams as an undergraduate at the Ahmadu Bello University where he showed lots of enterprise, zeal and committment to the journalism profession. He not only emerged as the best graduating student of his class, but set a template for the revolutionary new genre of journalism in the North.
His forthrightness, vision and resolute spirit has made him a top notch publisher that has provided opportunities for the industry and also won him the admiration of the Mighty and the respect of the low.
Abrams is not only a consumate professional, but a great personality with a great value for humanity, service to fatherland and passion for the enthronement of democracy, and creating equal opportunities for all.
His rising profile is a testament to the dictum that God can raise a king from the dust.
Deeply spiritual, incredibly humble, Abrams is a classical example of a self made individual who went to Abuja in search of a better future from his humble beginning in Kaduna and was a squatter in boys quarters to emerge recipient of the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR .
Abrams has been a journalist for nearly 35 years and holds a Doctorate Degree in Public Policy.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants-Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Management Specialists-United Kingdom, Member, Africa Business Club, and; Member, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, among others.
What makes his award unique is the fact that he was found worthy in character and integrity and got it along side Prominent personalities. The array of icons who were honored with him like Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Amina Mohammed, Itsey Sagay, SAN, Monica Dogbam- Mensem, Kayode Ariwoola, Ahmed Lawan, Ado Bayero among others attest to the fact that a child that washes his hands clean can indeed dine with kings and Queens.
Abrams who during the Military era engaged in what was called gorilla publishing is being celebrated today for his immense contribution to nation building, commitment to a better society and deepening of democracy.
His calm mien, humility, kindness, perseverance and ability to thread where others dread has marked him out as someone worthy of his calling.
Abrams recognition will indeed open Vista of opportunities to others in an endgered profession where people who toil day and night in National service are rearly honoured or celebrated .
Indeed, there’s hope in the horizon and great expectations looms for those long forgotten.
Congratulations to the Osayin Oso of Magongo land, Kogi State, an erudite writer, champion of the oppressed, dedicated spadeworker, compassionate man, visionary mind, great sports enthusiast and God fearing Citizen of the world.
This Award is indeed a tonic for this Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy to ridedicate himself in the service of God and humanity and it should reinvigorate him for the onerous tasks ahead.