By Joke Kujenya
POLITICAL CRISES, setbacks, and battles for journalists’ rights have shaped the life of Pa Jola Ogunlusi, former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
On September 28, his 90th birthday will be celebrated with a thanksgiving service at the Church of Pentecost, FESTAC, Lagos, by friends and colleagues.
The service is to honour his tenacity, dedication, and contribution to journalism, which he fought to professionalize and protect, despite many challenges.
Pa Ogunlusi faced harsh trials early in life.
Growing up in Ayedun Ekiti, financial struggles forced him to drop out of Ansar-Ud-Deen High School, Ikole Ekiti, after completing Form Four.
With limited resources, he became a pupil teacher and self-studied for his General Certificate of Education (GCE).
Inspired by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ideology, he found his way into journalism, joining the Africa Newspapers of Nigeria in the early 1960s, amidst political turmoil.
At a time when it was dangerous to even be associated with the Nigerian Tribune, Ogunlusi’s passion for both journalism and politics burned brightly.
He worked for Iroyin Yoruba under Pa Olu Olofin and later freelanced for Africa Arts and LAMP magazines due to the dire financial situation at Tribune.
His dedication led him to the Western State Government’s Sketch Press Limited, where his journalism career gained traction.
In the late 1970s, Ogunlusi dove fully into trade unionism as NUJ faced deep leadership crises, which divided the union.
He sided with Michael Asaju’s faction, which ultimately gained government recognition.
The union’s constitution was heavily contested at the time, but Ogunlusi worked with his colleagues to stabilize the profession.
He spearheaded initiatives that empowered journalists through training, locally and internationally, sending over 100 Nigerian journalists to Eastern Europe and the United States for professional development.
Ogunlusi’s commitment to the welfare of journalists is widely remembered.
The NUJ under his leadership fought for better conditions for journalists, often confronting hostile media employers.
When financial or political oppression struck, like the mass sack of journalists in Oyo State under Governor Omololu Olunloyo, Ogunlusi and the union fought tirelessly for their reinstatement.
His efforts did not stop there; he worked to reinstate sacked journalists across various Nigerian media outlets, including The Tide, Chronicle, and Sketch Press Limited.
During military rule, when draconian decrees stifled the press, Ogunlusi’s NUJ formed alliances with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
These alliances helped create a united front in the fight for media freedom. Together, they formed the Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO), which pushed back against government efforts to suppress the media.
Ogunlusi’s loyalty to his colleagues, even in the face of adversity, often complicated his position.
His strong allegiance to his boss, Alhaji Bola Adedoja, during internal NUJ reforms, placed him at odds with those seeking to modernize the union.
While his integrity was unquestionable, the internal politics eventually led to his quiet exit from the secretariat.
Despite numerous challenges, Ogunlusi’s legacy endures. His work to professionalize journalism, empower young journalists, and defend press freedom has left a lasting mark.
After surviving a near-fatal car accident in Ijebu Ode, where he narrowly escaped death, Ogunlusi continues to be celebrated by colleagues who see him as a symbol of resilience.
As he turns 90 in the next two days, Pa Ogunlusi’s life stands as a testament to the spirit of survival and dedication in Nigerian journalism.
His contributions helped pave the way for a more professional and organized media landscape, even as he fought on the frontlines for the rights and welfare of journalists.
From we all at JKNewsMedia.com, here’s wishing Pa Ogunlusi, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY with prayers for many happy returns, sir!
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