Jide Ojo in the ‘eye’ of Nigeria Broadcast Journalists

Outgoing 2020 is the year I presented my third book “Nigeria: Corruption and Opacity in Governance” to the public at a well-attended event on January 16, 2020 in Abuja. It was also the year I clocked eight years as a newspaper columnist with the influential The PUNCH newspaper and celebrated 30 years in media advocacy. It is indeed a topsy-turvy year for me. Am happy to have survived it.

In terms of my media engagements I have an increased number of Radio and Television stations interviewing me on topical national issues. The new additions this year are Boss 95.5 FM Abuja, Liberty Radio 103.3 FM Abuja, Amuludun FM 99.1 Ibadan, Family Love 103.9 FM Umuahia, Eagles 102.3 FM Abuja and JAMZ 100.1 FM Ibadan. Others are, NTA Lagos Channel 10, Thunderbirds TV, Plus TV Africa, AD4TVRadio, NTA Channel 5 Abuja, TV Continental (TVC), and Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN).  These additional 13 took the tally to 61 Radio and Television Stations which have interviewed me.

The previous ones are: Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) International, African Independent Television (AIT), Channels Television, Arise TV, Silverbird TV Lagos, Peoples TV, Independent Television (ITV), Galaxy Television, Kaftan TV, NTA News 24, TV 360, Signature TV, Clearview TV, NTA Language (Yoruba), Roots TV, TSTV, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State. Others are: Women Radio 91.7 FM Lagos, Oluyole 98.5 FM Ibadan, Pensioners FM 106.7 Ibadan, Hit 95.9 FM Calabar, Faaji FM 106.5 Lagos, Rhythm 94. 7 FM Abuja, OGBC 2 FM Abeokuta, West Africa Democracy Radio Senegal, Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Vision 92.1 FM Abuja, Love 104.5 FM (Crowther Radio) Abuja, Ray Power 100.5 FM Abuja, Hot 98.3 FM Abuja, Radio Nigeria Network, Kapital 92.9 FM Abuja, and Voice of Nigeria. Others are:  Kiss 99.9 FM Abuja, WE 106.3 FM Abuja, Greetings 107.5 FM Abuja, WAZOBIA 99.5 FM Abuja, Cool 96.9 FM Abuja, Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM Abuja, Human Rights Radio 101. 1 FM Abuja, Nigeria Info 95.1 FM Abuja, Invicta 98.9 FM Kaduna, Premier 93.5 FM Ibadan, Faaji 106.5 FM Lagos and Rockcity 101.9 FM Abeokuta.

Out of the lot, 28 of them are television stations while 33 are radio stations. Most of the stations are in Abuja but there are those based in Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Umuahia Senegal and South Africa. This year 2020, I also got an offer to be a TV Host on a personal show. The General Manager of Independent Television, Abuja, Mrs. Amber Osasu Olague offered me this golden opportunity which I warmly accepted. The show is to commence in January 2021.

In a promo ahead of the CASER celebration of International Human Rights Day celebration of December 10, 2020, the fiery human rights activist, lawyer, Public Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Socio-Economic Rights, Frank Tietie Esq referred to me as the most interviewed Nigerian. I felt like someone being clothed in borrowed robe. I felt overrated. However, I do know and appreciate the fact that I have indeed contributed my quota to national discourse with over 1,500 published commentaries across 25 newspapers and over a thousand appearances on radio and television programmes across Nigeria.  Interestingly, I have done this largely without financial remuneration save for my stint as News Analyst with Arise TV between December 2017 and March 2020.

In my line of duty as a development worker cum consultant, we are used to performance review. I therefore conducted a survey via WhatsApp and SMS on December 28 and 29, 2020 to know why people invite me on their programmes and areas they think I need to improve.  Their responses are very interesting and insightful. I have sought and gotten the permission of those that have responded as at the time of writing this piece to publish their responses. Here they are:

1.     “Every well-meaning broadcast house wants an unbiased, apolitical, in-depth and insightful analyst Hot FM is not different.  Before we started inviting you as an analyst on our shows, I had watched and listened to you at different forums. The fact that you are bold to speak truth to power without being biased, your vast knowledge base and in-depth analysis is always a plus to our programme.  Despite the fact that most Nigerians are highly polarised, you can see how difficult it is for them to disagree with you.  I have also seen how you have gradually become one of the most sought after analyst both on English and Yoruba programmes, Radio and Television alike. We just pray you don't become out of our reach 😁. Thank you Jide Ojo, Nigeria and her media need more Jide Ojos. We at Hot 98.3 Abuja appreciate you” - Rita Onome Eghujovbo, (Queen Rita), Station Manager, Hot 98.3 FM Abuja

2.     “I have taken time to listen to your analysis on current affairs on so many platforms, and the depth with which you understand and analyse issues thrown at you simply shows how vast you are in current affairs. A lot of times I pray to understand the Nigeria socio-economic and political environment like you. (Not massaging your ego but that is the truth). The audience wants someone who educates and entertains them in the course of analysis and you have a way of stringing both together. That is my reason for inviting you. Areas to improve upon: Well, sincerely I can't say for sure. But I believe learning is a continuum and the more knowledge you get from learning the more vast you get. Just keep at it.” – Pius Nsabe, Head of News, Pensioners 106.7 FM, Ibadan.

3.     “Mehn you are a colossus sir. Any aspect you’re good to go” – Daniel Nwagboso (Danny Sucrane) Eagles 102.3 FM, Abuja

4.     “NTA invites you to series of current affairs and political programmes because of your versatility, depth of knowledge on any topic at all, the ability to clearly Marshall your points, your objectivity, impartiality (because you say it as it is), very good understanding and usage of language of communication and the ability to sustain viewership. The area you need to improve upon is not to be emotional with issues being treated but aside this you are a viewers’ delight anyway😀😀 – Mrs. Ronke Kolawole, NTA Lagos, Channel 10.

5.     “You are quite vast when it comes to both national and international issues.  Area of improvement: Being concise when responding to questions.” – Idara Ukpanyan, Host of Africa Thisweek on Radio Nigeria Network.

6.     “I invited you because you came in highly recommended as a strong voice with an objective view. Sir, you are great just the way you are.” – Prudence Ijah, Liberty Radio 103.3 FM, Abuja

7.     “You're very reliable. If Mr. Jide says he's coming for the programme, be rest assured he would come, except an emergency happens. Mr. Jide is not just outspoken but very versatile in almost every field, he knows something about everything. Mr. Jide would never undermine a programme, regardless of who's anchoring or the station. Once you invite him, he would come and analyse the same way he would analyse on TVC or other bigger channels. He won't undermine the anchor as well. Areas I would love to see Mr. Jide take into consideration...To be time conscious on Air! Not to be carried away with conversation and exceed the apportioned time for the programme especially when the anchor keeps giving signs that he's out of time...” – James Akaa Mathew, Anchor, Editors Roundtable, Love 104.5 FM, Abuja 

8.     “Sir, you're an all-rounder and am still amazed at what you deliver.  Elections, Politics, Governance, Foreign Policy... You do so much sir.  So much!  And you make us proud all the time.  Areas of improvement... None for now o!  Just keep being you and adding value to the lives of all who listen and watch you!” – Dr. Inya Ode, AOP, Nigeria Info. 95.1 FM, Abuja.

9.     “You have the quality and wider knowledge on current issue” – Ogbeni Agboola Elufowoju, NTA Akure

10. “I invite you to feature because there is need for people to be well informed on some issues which in most cases you’re very knowledgeable about them. The last time I featured you a lot of people commended you for sharing some information they did not  know or hear about. It’s about informing people.  Improvement? Maybe I haven't taking time to look at that but trust me, I would watch out sir” – Jadesola Ajibola, Chairperson NAWOJ Oyo State and presenter with JAMZ 100.1 FM Ibadan.

11. “You have a powerful analytical mind and very balanced in criticism. You’re sound and an interviewers delight. Just Keep it up” – Hakeemat Aliyu, NTA Channel 5, Abuja.

12. “You have consistently shown objectivity in your analysis. Your analysis is in-depth and well researched. You understand the rules of the media (etiquettes), knowing what is air worthy and what isn't.  In terms of what I would like you to improve on, there are actually no specific areas to point to. Just that there is always room for improvement and I know you're consciously working each day to perfection. So, just keep doing that.” – Frank Ajufo, Vision 92.1 FM, Abuja.

13. “Because of your unbiased, objective and constructive criticism and analysis. You are analytical and straight to the point. You don't beat around the bush.” – Tobi Joseph. Rockcity 101.9 FM, Abeokuta.

14. “As a political/social commentator, inviting you is to reshaping governance for national development. You are doing well, Social media leveraging improvement sir” – Akin Oyewole, News Editor and Producer of The Podium on Love 104.5 FM, Abuja.

15. “We invite you to feature on our programme because you are very vast in so many issues and you know how to tackle it POINT BLANK. I am not flattering you but honestly I do not see any area (of improvement) because there is hardly any issue you cannot talk about, name it. All I will say is keep it up and Happy New year in Advance.” – Mrs. Conscience “Woman Leader” Sado, NTA News 24, Abuja.

16. “I invite you to our program as resource person as someone who will add content to the programme. You always give an insight into political and most current issues in the country. You are good as per as TV appearance is concern.” – Alhassan Bala, correspondent and producer of This Morning on Independent Television (ITV), Abuja.

17. “To me / us you have done well. you are doing well. and continue to do well” – Mr. Kayode Oyebisi, Radio Nigeria Network.

18.  “I must definitely say your vast exposure and analytical skills is one that adds more insight to issues of national importance. I also find your approach to issues as pragmatic as it can be.” – Kunle Adeniyi, Producer, Majelisa on Kiss 99.9 FM, Abuja

19. “Your well informed and passionate submissions on national, policy and other matters.” – Godfrey, Galaxy TV Abuja.

20. “I invite you based on your informed and multi opinion on a subject... Discussions are not necessarily balanced, provides understandable perspective to many sides. Areas of improvement: Interpret numbers/data to a very causal audience” – Femi D. Amele, OAP with Nigeria Info 95.1 FM

21. “You are invited to our programme because of your analytic and objective way of dissecting issues in the polity. Also how you make complex things quite simple and relatable for the audience is really commendable.” – Christiana Amodu, Producer with Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network, Abuja.

22. “We invite you (at NTA) for. being an in-depth analyst; Always in tune with current affairs; Never drift away from the truth even when it hurts; Always available even at short notice; not selfish with truth; recommending another good analyst when not available or indisposed; No focus on gratification; Being friendly all the way 💪🙏🙏🙏. Areas to improve...Just continue your good deeds the sky is your starting point” - Mrs Kemi Fakeye, NTA International

23. “It’s due to your versatility and deep knowledge of issues under discussion as well as your objectivity and neutrality. Areas of improvement: None in my estimation. Keep doing what you are doing.” Dr. Amaechi Anakwue, Africa Independent Television Headquarters, Abuja

24. "We invite you to feature on our programmes because of your broad perspectives on issues and moderate opinions. We are sure that even if you differ with government on a policy, your argument will be logical and populist considering that we also ought to represent the masses. On areas of improvement: We want you to take up more development issues with best practices around the world hoping that there'll be change in our country" - Mitare IKpen, NTA News 24

25."Because of your knowledge about the topic of discuss, your expert view is another consideration and a balanced analysis. Regarding area of improvement: Delivery, poise and laying emphasis on facts and figures to buttress point of discuss." - Barth Ikiebe, News Editor with Voice of Nigeria.

26. "Because of your understanding of the issues and the analytical nature of your responses . As for area of improvement, Nothing much that I can remember" - Seun Okinbaloye, Anchor of Politics Today on Channels TV.

These are the respondents so far out of about 40 people I sent the survey questions to. I really do appreciate the prompt and frank responses from the interviewees. There is no gainsaying that I am passionate about media advocacy and am very delighted about the impact my engagements have made in the betterment of Nigerian society. My commitment in the new year 2021 is to strive to do better as the biggest room in the world is that of improvement. Happy new year in advance and best wishes

Jide Ojo. December 29, 2020.