An insight into Osoba’s years in Nigerian journalism

Granted he may not be given to high vaulting theoretical pontification on news media, ethics and other paradigms on the abstract plane, Osoba remains a master journalism craftsman, news merchant, newsroom impresario and … trendy, highly impressionistic dresser. This quality normally guarantees him access to all occasions in all seasons to mingle within the high […]

Granted he may not be given to high vaulting theoretical pontification on news media, ethics and other paradigms on the abstract plane, Osoba remains a master journalism craftsman, news merchant, newsroom impresario and … trendy, highly impressionistic dresser. This quality normally guarantees him access to all occasions in all seasons to mingle within the high and the mighty who give him tips for his headline stories. After being thrown up by providence in Daily Times through the instrumentality of the late Babatunde Jose, Osoba perhaps needed no other props to establish his preeminence as the quintessential newspaper manager. He did this with the Kwara State government owned Nigerian Herald in the late 1970s. Between 1973 and 1977, he made the newspaper the most sought after on the newsstands nationwide. When the environment in Ilorin became checking through local politicking, he “migrated” to Oban Adebimpe court in Dugbe, Ibadan to manage Sketch newspapers owned by the Odua Group. He made a spectacular success of this newspaper group by assembling, as he was wont to do, a most resourceful team of young and pushful news hounds to make his mark. It is significant to note that in both The Herald and The Sketch, the circulation hit the roof.

But after his exit in these two places, the newspapers never found their feet again, tried as they did. The gap left by Osoba, the iconic news hunter, could not be filled to date!!!

He has turned many a Nigeria graduate into star reporters who heralded a new era for Nigerian journalism. That era and was effectively consummated by the three musketeers of the late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese. It is remarkable that the first publication celebrating dazzling “Big Boss” of Nigerian journalism would be titled Osoba: The Newspaper Yeans. It is the newspaper that turned Osoba into an icon, celebrated by all and sundry at that gathering in Lagos. Even though he is from Ogun State, Osba had always been a “Lagos Boy” both latent and manifest.

The public presentation of the book, Osoba: The Newspaper Years, written by Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe, attracted the who’s who in the media community, state governors, federal legislators, party leaders and politicians.

President Jonathan, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Inter-Party Relations, Senator Ben Obi, commended Chief Osoba for his contributions, and achievements in the media industry, saying his administration would continue to recognize leaders who have contributed to the development of the country.

The president said his presence at the ceremony  was in recognition of excellence. “Chief Olusegun Osoba  is a symbol of excellence. His exploits made him a star reporter whose excellence also made him rise to become a good administrator” the president said

Former Military President, Babangida, in his opening remark described Osoba as a journalist that had many stories to tell  about issues in the country and urged the present crop of journalists to go back to the days of  Osoba, whom he said was mindful of the work, deep in knowledge about the work and always went for scoops to get the best.

He said: “We know Osoba as a journalist, who has many stories to tell about the issues and challenges that we have been facing in this country. With curious and inquisitive mind, he will always attempt the extra-ordinary to break new grounds that could stand him out in a profession that he loves so much.

“From Osoba’s reports, it then seemed to me that he deliberately goes for scoops to create the cutting edge among his peers. It was amazing how he was able to balance journalism and at the same time be a trusted friend. He enjoyed the confidence of political leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief (my boss) Olusegun Obasanjo, General Sani Abacha, Chief MKO Abiola, of course, and me.”

Babaangida said “in a society where everything goes, a study of Segun Osoba should offer some thought-provoking lessons for upcoming journalists and media professionals. He has discreetly and publicly made a lot of contributions to stability in Nigeria, especially during critical times. He remains one of the most remarkable Nigerians of his generation.”

The former military president commended Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe for the work and doubted “if a 396-page book can truly capture all the details of a scoopist, not coupist, who delivered his assignment with uncommon insight.”

The Information Minister, Labaran Maku, described Osoba as an institution in Nigerian journalism, one of the best that the country has ever had and one who had done a great deal of work for journalism.

“He has taken risks for this profession, a reporter in the Nigerian civil war, he has reported most of the major historical landmarks in the history of our nation during his time in journalism. He was a great manager, a great reporter and also a great administrator, who also happens to be one of the journalists that God helped to rise in his profession  as well rise in politics,” he said.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State who lauded Osoba for being relevant in the state even after leaving office said that his life had motivated man. He observed that the best memoirs for a mighty man was to gain honour before death. He said Osoba is an accomplished journalist and astute administrator.

“His exploits in the journalism profession are symbolic for us in Ogun State. They give credence to the fact that journalism berthed in Nigeria through Ogun State as the first newspaper, Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba, was published in Abeokuta in 1859. For us, therefore, Chief Osoba is a reference point when we proudly announce that Ogun State people are the leading lights in the professions, industries and public service,” he said.

The CEO of channels Television, Mr John Momoh who was the book reviewer said the book on Osoba was classic by all standards and was arguably the best ever published work on him.

Notable dignitaries at the occasion  included former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who was represented by Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor; Governor of Delta State and chief sponsor of the event, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who was represented by Special Adviser on Communication, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin; and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (represented by the Commissioner for Education, Remi Olatubora); Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello); and Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

Chaired by Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua, also present at the event were former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola  Tinubu; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande; Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief Alex Akinyele,  Chief Philip Asiodu and Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

; Publisher of Vanguard newspaper titles, Mr. Sam Amuka; Publisher of ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; Mrs Bisi Abiola, Dr. Doyin Abiola, Professor Idowu Sobowale, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Chairman, Daar Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru; and Malam Mohammed Haruna.