The trio were not the only ones eulogised by beneficiaries of the legacy inherited at Evans Publishers.

Others praised last week at the 40th annivesary of the Ibadan-based publishing outfit included Robert and Edward Evans (the Evans brothers, who founded the parent company in London, 103 years ago), Noel Evans, Mr and Mrs Leslie Browning (second generation of the Evans who worked in the company), Mrs Titilayo Sodeinde, Chief Akin Oke, Richard Oyewole, Chief O. Akinyemi, Dr Modupe Fagbulu, Chief Cyprian Ekwensi and Dr Rex Akpofure, who also served at one time or the other on the board of the company.

In an address, Evans Publishing Manager Mrs Yemisi Egunjobi spoke of the significance of 40 years in the life of individuals and organisations.

She praised God for sustaining the company in the last 40 years despite daunting challenges.

At 40, she said the vision of the publishing outfit is to lead other

s to the zenith.

Mrs Egunjobi, who attributed the loftier heights attained by the company to the leadership qualities of the chairman, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, and the Managing Director, Mr Gbenro Adegbola, said their style had enriched Evans Publishers.

The pioneer Managing Director of the company and Managing Director, Evans United Kingdom, Mr Joop Berkhout recalled how he left Ibadan for Lagos in December, 1966 to register the company.

Berkhout, who retired from the company in 1978, described the celebration as that of quality service delivery by Evans in the past 40 years.

He said he looked forward to another 40 years of quality book publishing that would take the nation’s publishing industry to an enviable height.

Chief G. Ilabaya, a printer reflected on how he started business with Evans in 1990, saying the company has continued to wax stronger and grown from strength to strength.

Congratulating the management, he said there was still room for improvement if Evans hopes to retain its position as the "numero uno" in the publishing industry.

Adegbola praised the management for the opportunity offered him to serve the organisation .

He spoke of the stiff competition and rivalry in the publishing industry, but thanked the Almighty for sustaining the company.

"Over the years, God has been with us. He blessed us with clarity, courage and strength to weather the storm. God is the secret of our success," he said.

Overwhelmed by the achievements of the organisation, Ojora described the event as a perfect occasion to pay homage to all those, who over the past 100 years, contributed to making the company a giant in the publishing industry.

Stressing that Evans has grown in size and strength over the years, Ojora recalled the challenging negotiation that led to the acquisition of Evans U.K.

He paid glowing tributes to the founders, directors, some pioneer managers and staff of the company.

Ojora saluted the likes of the late Chief Ita, Mrs Sodeinde and Alhaji Gambari who served as pioneer members of the board of the company.

"Let me also acknowledge the efforts of the members of our current management who are creditably flying the banner of Evans high", he said.

Ojora also recalled how Adegbola’s appointment as the managing director in 2000 elevated the company to its loftier heights, saying the difficulties which plagued the company few years ago were over.

He listed the achievements of Evans as including the acquisition of Evans UK, Nelson Nigeria Limited and the establishment of EBN Services Limited.

On the economic front, he said unlike a few years ago when the company could not pay dividends, shareholders are now happy.

The event was climaxed with the award of long service award to some members of staff including Mr Titus Adewuyi, who has served for 30 years and Mr John Ehigies the longest-serving member of staff who joined Evans in 1974.

Ojora sought more cooperation, dedication and interaction from the management and members of staff to move the company forward.

The high points of the celebration was the commissioning of the company’s digital editorial suite and the cutting of the anniversary cake.