If I used to be compelled to slender my males‑tors to only one individual in journalism, that individual could be no aside from Sir Ademola Osinubi, whom I described in my memoir as my pathfinder. He first launched me to the media world, as an adolescent, in 1990. I used to be awaiting admission into the college. My elder sister, of blessed reminiscence, had shared my SSCE outcome with him and he was so impressed. He provided me a job in Punch library instantly, saying I’d benefit from the expertise somewhat than staying at house, doing nothing. And certain, I did benefit from the expertise despite the fact that it lasted for just some months.
After my diploma in Economics on the College of Lagos, I used to be retained within the division for the NYSC yr and began my journey into teachers instantly after my Grasp’s diploma. However one factor led to the opposite, and Mr. Osinubi informed me once more {that a} profession in Punch (Enterprise Desk) could be worthwhile for me. “You’ll be nicely paid o,” he stated. He stated this at a time I wished to attempt one thing else except for being ‘holed up’ in UNILAG. I had handed the aptitude assessments for Chartered {Bank} and Gulf {Bank} at the moment with very excessive scores. However I made a decision to take the extra versatile Punch job possibility after passing the aptitude check. The remaining is historical past.
I gave this background to emphasize how the Managing Director (Emeritus) of Punch earned recognition in my memoir as my pathfinder. I bear in mind after I needed to dump Eve’s World, my common agony aunt column in Saturday Punch for a backpage column (Compass) on topical {economic} points each Friday. I had a big fan base for the Eve’s World column and had succeeded in matchmaking three {couples} to the altar. The ceremonies have been promoted in Punch. It was due to this fact powerful for me to desert the celebrity, but, the backpage column was a administration resolution that I couldn’t run away from. So, I made a decision to mix each till I used to be informed that I might not go ‘mushy’ on Saturday and go ‘laborious’ on Friday. I used to be virtually in tears after I went to hunt the MD’s steering. I went into his workplace visibly troubled however got here out giggle‑ing after he dismissed my concern in a really hilarious manner. Referring to the agony focus of Eve’s World, he stated, “What’s so particular about ‘o bamisun ofami nitan ya (he slept with me and broke my thigh)? My good friend, higher go and face critical enterprise.” That settled the matter for me and made me concentrate on my backpage Compass, which, I’d say, redefined my journalism journey.
As for qualities that stand him out, I bear in mind telling a good friend at Punch that I had not seen an environment friendly boss extra courteous and mushy‑spoken. In contrast to a few of us, recognized for “aggressive” effectivity, my MD drove the paper to enviable heights with out anybody listening to his voice. I attempted to be like him however this was so powerful amid tight deadlines and correspondents that have to be pushed laborious to satisfy up with administration’s expectations, the Enterprise desk being the most important in Punch and on the coronary heart of income era. Many individuals have stated Punch is a inflexible organisation however my expertise below Sir Osinubi doesn’t align absolutely with this notion. Once I turned the primary feminine Group Enterprise Editor of the paper, he charged me to interrupt new grounds by working very laborious. He promised the desk strong administration assist so long as we stayed above competitors. He stored his promise.
I bear in mind after I considered taking a ‘Enterprise Desk Retreat’ request earlier than the administration in the direction of the tip of the yr. Those that had been in Punch earlier than me stated such had by no means occurred and that I shouldn’t even give it some thought. They have been certain it might by no means be accredited. The associated fee implication was excessive as a result of we needed to think about flight tickets and different logistics for Everest Amaefule (the then head of the Abuja enterprise desk) and his crew. We additionally needed to pay for lodging (three nights) in a great resort for your entire enterprise desk and invite exterior facilitators at a price. We even deliberate a celebration/award night time for the ultimate day. I wrote via the editor, Adeyeye Joseph (now Managing Director), and he informed me the MD would need me to throw extra mild on the plan. I went to his workplace the following day, considering of learn how to persuade him. However he didn’t even enable me to speak. He stated, “You and your crew have labored laborious on the desk. Go and work out the price implications of your actions and we are going to approve.” I felt like breakdancing. I appointed Chinyere Fred‑Adegbulugbe because the Head, Retreat Organising Committee. Collectively together with her crew, she got here up with a fantastic plan, factoring in meals, lodging, facilitators’ honoraria, logistics for out‑station correspondents and people of us on the headquarters. We introduced what we thought was an unimaginable funds on the time, considering the administration would throw it out and advise us to get pleasure from our Christmas in peace with our households. We have been, nevertheless, overjoyed when the retreat was accredited with all of the unwanted effects. In fact, as an icing on the cake, our nice MD confirmed up on the venue to encourage us. Sure, we had nice reminiscences from the retreat. However the reminiscences have been there to remind us that the corporate didn’t spend cash for enjoyable. We needed to roll our sleeves to make sure we introduced in additional income, leveraging on what we learnt whereas re‑strategising. Nothing goes at no cost, not in enterprise.
On integrity, we have been taught that skilled integrity was the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility and I didn’t have to look any additional to search out that one individual whose each day conduct adhered strictly to what many professionals known as impracticable code of ethics. Sir Osinubi is integrity personified. His mentorship made me watch my again strictly all through my keep in Punch and in addition guided my dealings with contacts, particularly as Group Enterprise Editor. And right this moment, I can say I’m eternally grateful to MD. The respect I earned from the who’s who within the Nigerian enterprise group, on account of not compromising values, has remained intact. MD, you wore journalism with unmatched delight and performed your playing cards very nicely. Please sit again and benefit from the fruits as you clock 70 with grace.
Yemi Kolapo, Writer/EIC, The Level Newspaper, is the President, Media Transformation and Empowerment Initiative.