Jide Ojo: Guardian of Truth and Integrity by Stephanie Shaakaa

-

In the vast arena of the Nigerian media space, where voices rise and fall with the tide of public discourse, Jide Ojo affectionately known as Asorogbayi, stands as a towering figure defined by integrity, fearlessness, and an unwavering commitment to truth. There's hardly any media analyst more engaged  in Nigeria than Jide Ojo.

Today, we celebrate not just his career but a pivotal moment in the history of Nigerian journalism 34 years of tireless writing and 12 years as a columnist with The PUNCH, one of Nigeria’s most influential newspapers.

In an era where media narratives can easily be swayed, Jide has become a beacon of clarity and reason. Since October 2012, his incisive commentaries have shaped public opinion, with over 1,500 thought-provoking columns that inform and challenge readers to think critically about governance, leadership, and societal issues. His words resonate deeply, transforming complex topics into accessible insights for all Nigerians.

Jide's influence extends far beyond the printed word. He has been published in 77 newspapers, magazines, and newsletters, and his voice has graced 61 television stations and 75 radio stations, making him a trusted companion in homes across the nation. As a Resident News Analyst on Arise News TV from 2017 to 2020, Jide brought a level of analysis that set a new standard for professionalism and fearless commentary.

Jide Ojo is not just a writer; he is an author of national conscience. His three published books “Nigeria, My Nigeria: Perspectives from 1990–2010”, “A Nation in Tow: Essays on Governance and Leadership in Nigeria” (2016), and “Nigeria: Corruption and Opacity in Governance”(2019) serve as vital contributions to the understanding of Nigeria’s journey, offering both critique and hope.

Beyond his written legacy, Jide's impact has been felt on the airwaves. From January 2021 to December 2022, he hosted "Development Focus with Jide Ojo" on Independent Television, Abuja. Each Wednesday morning, viewers tuned in to hear him dissect pressing issues, offering insights that  inspired actions.

As Jide Ojo marks 34 years in the media as an analyst, we are reminded of the enormous impact one dedicated individual can have. He has chronicled Nigeria's story and shaped it. His fearless pursuit of truth, even when inconvenient, sets him apart as an analyst of the highest order. A man whose words carry the weight of integrity.

Today, we not only honour Jide's remarkable journey but also the inspiration he provides for the next generation of analyst. His commitment to excellence, accountability, and the belief in a better Nigeria should guide all who seek to make a difference through their words.

As we celebrate Jide Ojo's legacy, let us commit ourselves to uphold the values he embodies. In a world where media influence is paramount, may we all strive for integrity, clarity, and truth in our own narratives. Congratulations, Jide Ojo, on 34 years of unparalleled service to Nigerian media. Your journey thus far has been extraordinary, but your greatest contributions may still lie ahead. The story you are helping to write of Nigeria’s ongoing fight for justice, equity, and transparency is far from finished. With you at the helm, it will continue to be a story worth telling.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wishing you the best of 2010

-
Year 2009 will be off in few hours, it’s probably 2010 already in Australia. To you all my fans who have been encouraging me through your constructive and largely positive feedback, I say a big thank you. In 2009, I have many reasons to thank the Lord. In April, I clocked 40 and in October, it dawned on me that it’s been 19 years since my first piece was published in Daily Sketch. Today, the little acorn has grown to a large oak. In 2009, I spread my tentacles wider and added four more platforms to publishing my articles. They are The Nation, Daily Sun, Daily Independent and Next. Two Magazines/Newsletters, Women Advocate and Voters News also sought my permission to publish some of my published articles in their media. On the whole, to date, I have been published by 17 national newspapers and 11 magazines and newsletters. In July 2009, with the influence and inspiration from a friend, Sola Adetunji, I established my own blog from where those who love my writings can now read my views o
Read more

Insecurity: Nigerians as endangered specie

-
  Introduction Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says security and welfare of the citizens shall be the primary purpose of government. In 2024, neither of these two are being enjoyed by Nigerians. Compatriots feel unsafe in their own country and as for welfare, it’s a case of what legendary Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti call “Suffering and smiling”. Once upon a time, armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes were largely restricted to the urban centres with many promising to run and hide in their villages from night marauders and criminals. Sadly, nowhere is safe any longer. The grassroot, I mean people in the communities, are facing so much unrest from criminal elements that they are now leaving their ancestral land in droves to seek refuge in towns and cities that have no succour for them. Truth be told, Nigeria is fast sliding to what the great political philosopher, Thomas Hobbes described in his 1651 famous book titled Levia
Read more

Jide Ojo, Asorogbayi, at 55

-
  “ When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; And it will surprise you what the Lord   hath done” -         Author: Johnson Oatman, Jr. I am not unhappy to be alive. To have lived for fifty-five years on mother earth, especially in a challenging environment like Nigeria calls for celebration. In the last one year since I last celebrated my birthday, a new government has been inaugurated with economic policies that have seen to rising cost of living. My living standard, like those of most of my compatriots, have dropped significantly. I have never borrowed to live as I have had to do recently, no thanks to paucity of consultancy opportunities and high dependency ratio. In
Read more