A Mentor Who Shaped a Journalist’s Journey
If I were to identify one person who has had the most significant impact on my career in journalism, it would be Sir Ademola Osinubi. In my memoir, I described him as my pathfinder, and this title is well-earned. His influence on my life and career began when I was just a teenager, in 1990.
At that time, I was waiting for university admission and had not yet decided on my future. My elder sister, who had passed away, shared my SSCE results with Sir Ademola, and he was deeply impressed. He offered me a job at Punch library, suggesting that I would enjoy the experience rather than staying home doing nothing. I accepted, and although the job lasted only a few months, it was an invaluable introduction to the media world.
After completing my degree in Economics at the University of Lagos, I spent my NYSC year in the department and then pursued a Master’s degree. However, Mr. Osinubi encouraged me to consider a career in Punch, specifically on the Business Desk. He believed it would be a rewarding path and even mentioned that I would be well-paid. At the time, I had other options, such as working for Chartered Bank or Gulf Bank, but I chose to follow his advice. That decision marked the beginning of a long and successful journey in journalism.
One of the most challenging moments in my career came when I had to transition from writing the popular agony aunt column “Eve’s World” to a new backpage column called “Compass,” focusing on economic issues. I had built a large following for “Eve’s World,” even helping match three couples to the altar, which were promoted in Punch. It was difficult to leave that behind, but the management insisted on the change. When I went to seek guidance from the Managing Director, I was visibly upset. However, he quickly put things into perspective by joking about the content of “Eve’s World.” His words helped me refocus on the more serious work of “Compass,” which ultimately redefined my journalism journey.
Sir Ademola Osinubi stands out not only for his leadership but also for his kindness and efficiency. Unlike many bosses known for their aggressive approach, he led Punch to great success without raising his voice. I often tried to emulate his style, but it was challenging in a fast-paced environment where deadlines and performance were critical.
Despite the perception that Punch is a rigid organization, my experience under Sir Ademola contradicted that notion. When I became the first female Group Business Editor, he encouraged me to break new ground and promised solid support as long as we maintained our competitive edge. He kept his promise, and I felt empowered to take risks.
A notable example of his support was when I proposed a “Business Desk Retreat” at the end of the year. Many colleagues warned me that such an initiative had never been approved before, and I was unsure if it would be possible. The cost was high, including flights, accommodation, and external facilitators. However, when I presented the plan to the MD, he simply said, “You and your team have worked hard. Go and work out the cost implications, and we will approve.” I was overjoyed.
The retreat was a huge success, and Sir Ademola attended to encourage us. It reminded us that while the company invested in our growth, we had to work hard to bring in revenue. The experience reinforced the importance of leveraging knowledge and strategy to achieve business goals.
Integrity was another core value that Sir Ademola instilled in me. He exemplified professional ethics, and his daily conduct set a standard that many professionals found impractical. His mentorship taught me to maintain strict standards in my dealings, especially as Group Business Editor. Today, I can confidently say that my credibility in the Nigerian business community has remained intact because of these values.
Sir Ademola wore journalism with pride and played his role exceptionally well. As he celebrates his 70th birthday, I hope he enjoys the fruits of his labor with grace.
Yemi Kolapo, Publisher/EIC, The Point Newspaper, is the President, Media Transformation and Empowerment Initiative.
