By Joke Kujenya
LIFE TEEMS with countless lessons, each contributing to the intricate
tapestry of our personal and professional journeys, he had started the
narration of his inspiring journalism journey during the course of an interview
with this reporter.
For me, a deep believer in the “God factor,” divine intervention has been
pivotal in shaping my career trajectory. Without the guiding hand of
providence, my ascent in the newspaper industry would have been improbable.
Prior to embarking on any journalistic endeavours, I devoutly seek divine
guidance, recognizing the omnipresent influence of God in my life’s pursuits.
Another indelible lesson I’ve imbibed is the significance of ambition,
nurturing a fervent dream or vision to ascend the echelons of editorial
excellence. My aspirations found a guiding light in the venerable figure of the
late Dele Giwa, the then-editor of the Sunday Concord.
Inspired by his prowess, I endeavoured to emulate his literary finesse,
aspiring to carve a niche akin to his illustrious career. Thus, I immersed in
the study of his craft, dissecting his columns, dissecting his prose, and
assimilating his distinctive style.
My tenure as the Chief Correspondent in Kaduna during the late 1970s not
only encompassed routine news reportage but also saw the inception of
human-interest features that caught the discerning eye of the late Dele Giwa,
culminating in the creation of my column, “Reporter’s Notebook”
– a poignant milestone in my fledging journalistic odyssey.
Fortuitously, my dedication and output garnered the admiration of Dele Giwa,
propelling me from the hinterlands of Kaduna to the bustling heart of Lagos,
where I had the privilege of working directly under his tutelage at the Sunday
Concord.
It was during this juncture that fate conspired to unite me with a kindred
spirit – the late Dimgba Igwe, whose shared ardor for journalism fostered a
deep camaraderie between us.
Our synergistic collaboration culminated in the co-authorship of “The Art of
Features,” a seminal work that heralded our foray into the realm of authorship,
paving the way for a succession of corporate exposés such as “50 Nigerian
Corporate Strategists” and “Nigerians Marketing Memoirs.”
Central to my journalistic ethos is the immutable importance of cultivating
oneself as a proficient reporter. Journalism, fundamentally, is the art of
storytelling, and one must be unwavering in their commitment to mastering this
craft.
A robust foundation in reporting not only fosters editorial acumen but also
imbues one with an innate understanding of the intricacies of news
dissemination. My tenure at the Sunday Concord epitomized this ethos, as I
diligently honed my skills not only in writing but also in page-planning and
newspaper design – experiences that would prove invaluable upon assuming the
mantle of editorship at The Weekend Concord, a seminal chapter in my editorial
career.
My transformative sojourn to the United Kingdom in 1985, courtesy of the
Harry Britain Commonwealth Journalists Fellowship, marked a watershed moment in
my journalistic evolution. Immersed in the milieu of British tabloid journalism
I gleaned invaluable insights into the ethos of sensationalism and the art of
breaking news.
Armed with newfound expertise, I returned to Nigeria, emboldened to assume
editorial stewardship. My tenure as Features Editor at The National Concord
bore testament to this resolve, as I spearheaded a paradigm shift towards
human-interest features, catalyzing a surge in readership and catalyzing the
inception of the groundbreaking Weekend Concord.
In collaboration with my esteemed colleague Dimgba Igwe, we revolutionized
the landscape of Nigerian journalism, propelling the Weekend Concord to
unprecedented height of success.
Our editorial tenets, rooted in human-interest storytelling resonated deeply
with readers, spawning a legion of imitators and catalyzing a renaissance in
Saturday newspaper publishing. The legacy of the Weekend Concord endures as a
testament to our collective vision and unwavering dedication to journalistic
excellences.
In our seminal work, “50 World Editors,” Dimgba Igwe and I
embarked on a global odyssey, chronicling the insights of journalistic
luminaries from across the globe. Their collective wisdom underscored the
quintessential attributes of a consummate newsman: curiosity, diligence,
fairness and an unwavering commitment to truth-seeking.
These principles, elucidated by titans of the industry such as Tony Marro,
Charlotte Hall, and Richard Stott, serve as guiding beacons for aspiring
journalists, epitomizing the ethos of ethical reportage and journalistic
integrity.
Born on July 23, 1952, I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of
journalistic excellence, charting a path defined by passion, perseverance, and
an unyielding commitment to the pursuit of truth.
Together with my late compatriot Dimgba Igwe, we forged a legacy that
continues to reverberate throughout the annals of Nigerian journalism, leaving
an indelible imprint on the fabric of our nation’s media landscape.
As I embark on my latest literary endeavour, “Courtroom and Law Firm
Strategists,” I am reminded of the timeless adage: “Journalism is not
just a profession, it is a calling, a vocation, a sacred trust bestowed upon
those who dare to illuminate the shadows of ignorance with the radiant light of
truth.”
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Glad that Mike Awoyinfa, one of Nigeria’s journalism greats was featured here. So tragic that his twin brother Dimgba Igwe died under controversial circumstances a decade ago.
Thank you for your comment. It’s so sad truly and it’s obvious our dear editor, Mr. Awoyinfa, is yet to truly get over that shock. We’re indded honoured to have him speak with us.
In my opinion you are not right. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will communicate.
What are you talking about? Who is not right? A man spoke about his career and you’re saying he’s not right. Kindly explain what you mean by that here. Thanks for reading us.