By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
As I navigated the bustling halls of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) during my formative years as a student, I often found myself captivated by the stories shared by seasoned journalists who had paved the way for those of us eager to follow in their footsteps. Among those stories, one stood out—a tale of a man whose name resonated with both admiration and respect: Mr. Gbenga Omotoso. His journey through the realm of journalism was not just marked by personal accolades, but also by a steadfast commitment to mentoring aspiring journalists, championing ethical practices, and advocating for the principles of free speech. It was during my own internship at The Nation newspaper that I had the opportunity to witness Omotoso’s unwavering dedication firsthand, an experience that would shape my understanding of what it truly means to be a journalist.
In my five-year journey through journalism, few people have shaped my perspective as deeply as Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the current Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State and former editor of The Nation newspaper. His dedication to journalism, support for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), and respect for freedom of speech continue to inspire young journalists across Nigeria. My encounters with Omotoso have revealed a man driven by a commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and nurturing future generations of journalists.
Omotoso’s journey is marked by a dedication that goes beyond mere professional success. Born on November 11, 1961, his career in journalism began decades ago when he established himself not only as a writer and editor but also as a passionate defender of the press. During his tenure at The Nation newspaper, Omotoso’s influence was profound, fostering a culture that prioritized journalistic excellence and intellectual growth.
In 2019, during my time as a student at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo, the current Registrar and then-Student Affairs Officer, provided a rare opportunity to my classmate, Adedamola Azeezat Ayodele, and me. Out of a cohort of 98 students admitted into the reputable institution in 2018, only two of us were assigned to The Nation newspaper for our Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), while our colleagues were sent to other media organizations across Nigeria.
The NIJ issued a letter to Adedamola and me, signed by Mrs. Kalesanwo, formally recommending us for the four-month SIWES placement at The Nation. Upon receiving us on July 15, 2019, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, then-editor of The Nation, informed us that the newspaper had recently halted its SIWES intake. However, due to his high regard for the NIJ and its track record of producing exceptional journalists, he made an exception in our case. He explained, “The Nigerian Institute of Journalism is a reputable institution whose students are performing excellently in the profession of journalism across the globe.”
Mr. Omotoso encouraged us to be exemplary representatives of our school and The Nation, an inspiring moment for us as budding journalists. Coincidentally, it was during this same month that Omotoso received his appointment letter from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appointing him as Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, making us the last SIWES students he would welcome in that role.
Under his guidance, Mr. Omotoso assigned Adedamola to work under Mrs. Kofoworola Bello Osagie, Head of the Education Beat. I was placed with the City Beat team, led by Mr. Tajudeen Adebanjo, alongside his accomplished colleagues, Mrs. Precious Igbonwelundu and Miss Olatunde Odebiyi.
I am deeply appreciative of Mrs. Igbonwelundu and Miss Odebiyi, who guided me through the intricate realities of journalism. With their mentorship, I ventured into practical reporting on July 16, when I was assigned to Oshodi after a significant rainfall to interview traders and residents affected by the ensuing flood. This experience resulted in my first byline on July 17, 2019, with the headline: “Oshodi Residents, Traders Lament Over the Flood.”
My time at The Nation was invaluable, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the hands-on realities of journalism. Under Mr. Adebanjo’s guidance and the support of the City Beat team, I gained insights into the dedication and ethical rigor that define quality journalism.
Omotoso’s commitment to the NIJ has remained strong over the years. When he was appointed as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State in 2019, he continued to support journalism education.
After completing my SIWES program, I returned to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to finish my National Diploma (ND).
In 2022, after returning to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) for my Higher National Diploma (HND) studies following my one-year Industrial Training (IT) at Daily Trust, I had the opportunity to see Mr. Gbenga Omotoso again, this time at a special convocation ceremony hosted by NIJ. On Thursday, March 31, 2022, NIJ honored the renowned businessman Sir Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu with a fellowship award. The event, held at the Muson Center’s Shell Hall in Onikan, Lagos, was part of the institution’s golden jubilee celebrations. Distinguished guests included media proprietors, editors, academics, and dignitaries from both the public and private sectors, all gathered to celebrate NIJ’s milestone anniversary and Sir Adebutu’s notable contributions.
Mr. Omotoso attended as the representative of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, once again demonstrating his effective role in representing the state’s leadership as he emphasized the importance of ethical journalism.
During this event, he highlighted the Institute’s role in training journalists to be “knowledgeable, fearless, and abide by the rules of the profession.” His remarks reflected his hope for a future where journalism is preserved and practiced with integrity—a value that resonates with all who work in the field.
My encounter with Omotoso in 2024 reaffirmed his dedication to journalism and education. During the grand commissioning of the Sir (Dr.) Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu Media Resource Centre at the NIJ, Omotoso delivered remarks on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu. His speech celebrated Adebutu’s philanthropy and acknowledged the center’s role in fostering education and professional growth. At the event, Omotoso’s words were both a celebration and a call to action: he urged media professionals to teach young journalists the importance of fact-checking in an era where misinformation is rampant. Omotoso warned of the dangers posed by “unverified information,” emphasizing the responsibility journalists have in upholding truth and integrity.
“People who go about calling themselves journalists, once you can buy an Android phone and you have a quiet place to sit down, you can just punch the telephone and write whatever you like, publish it, and everybody sees it, and people begin to forward it, and it becomes breaking news.
“Some people will even say ‘forward as received,’ no verification, no integrity. People still don’t understand how dangerous it is, but I will not want to blame the people who are doing this so much because these are people who are not in the know,” he said.
He urged media practitioners not to relent in training young journalists, noting that the act of journalism is reporting.
According to him, reporting has lost its way, and no corrective action is being taken. Consequently, he expressed gratitude to Baba Ijebu for thinking about how to train good journalists.
“Today, there are so many people that the only talent they have is a good voice, time to search through social media, and they call themselves commentators, and they begin to talk. So, I will, like all of us who are here today, those of us who are students, teachers, and consumers of journalism products, take it as a very sacred duty not to allow reporting to die,” he pleaded.
He added: “Today, everyone is talking about Chief Osoba; he didn’t make a name for himself by chance; he was a good reporter. So, the act of journalism must be sacred, and we must not allow people that I call microphone terrorists to begin to talk on television and radio and make everybody scared all over the place.”
He further heaped praise on Sir Kensington for being futuristic about the profession of journalism in Nigeria.
“I thank him for sparing a thought for this important aspect of nation-building, and the Lagos State Government will do whatever it needs to do to support, encourage, and improve journalism in Nigeria.”
One can only admire Omotoso’s support for journalism as a sacred duty. In his speech, he lamented the decline of traditional reporting standards in the digital age. Today, it is easy for anyone with a smartphone to publish information, but Omotoso reminded us that journalism should be more than just sensational news or unverified opinions. “Some people will even say ‘forward as received,'” he said, “no verification, no integrity.” His words struck a chord with everyone in attendance, especially with us, who grew up admiring the timeless dedication of journalists like Omotoso.
Throughout my journey, Omotoso’s presence has been a constant reminder of what journalism stands for. His actions and mentorship extend beyond his words, embodying the ideals of integrity, accountability, and commitment to the profession. He has been an advocate for the NIJ and a custodian of journalistic ethics, urging students and professionals alike to remember their duty to society. In Omotoso, we see an example of what it means to be a true journalist—one who places public interest and truth at the forefront of every story.
Omotoso’s contributions to journalism, the NIJ, and his advocacy for free speech have cemented his legacy as a significant figure in Nigerian journalism. He not only paved the way for future generations but also set a standard of excellence that continues to guide and inspire us. His vision of journalism as a tool for nation-building, as well as his unwavering support for the NIJ, serves as a beacon for all aspiring journalists.
As I reflect on my career, I am reminded of Omotoso’s advice and encouragement to represent our profession well. His influence has shaped my commitment to journalism, not just as a career but as a mission.
Through his guidance, I learned that journalism isn’t merely about telling stories; it’s about maintaining the integrity of those stories and honoring the truth within them. For young journalists like me, Gbenga Omotoso is more than a mentor; he is a symbol of resilience, dedication, and hope for a brighter future in Nigerian journalism.
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe
The Head of Media and Publicity Secretary, Bullion Records, Nigeria
08024248696
ibrahimtaofeekkegbegbe@gmail.com