Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

A frontline and renowned journalist, Babafemi Ojudu, has argued that vibrant journalism can bring solution to Nigeria’s current economic problem.

Ojudu, a distinguished journalist and former Senator representing Ekiti Central in the upper legislative chamber, charged practising journalists in the country to be diligent in fulfilling their constitutional roles without fear or favour, as part of the solution to moving Nigeria forward.

The renowned newspaper editor, pro-democracy activist, columnist, and author, issued the charge on Monday in Ado-Ekiti while addressing media representatives at an event organised to introduce his newly published 303-page book, titled The Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist, to the public.

Ojudu, also a former Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs to former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, stated that the highest obligation any journalist owes the country and people is to seek the truth, write the truth, and report the truth at all times, without bias or consideration of any trivial factor.

The former editor expressed his belief that some of the agitations by Nigerians, especially on the issue of constitution amendments, are not the real solutions to the nation’s crisis.

“The real solutions to our myriad of problems are far from what is being suggested. For instance, constitutional review, as currently suggested, is not one of the solutions to Nigeria’s problems; it is simply about us,” he said.

“In the course of performing your duties as a good journalist, there are tendencies that you will be waylaid, harassed, intimidated, threatened, and even exiled. I experienced this many times, but none of that was enough to deter me. I remained resolute. Without a vibrant press, it will be difficult for a nation to get things right.”

“Do not be dissuaded, because that was never me. I faced death head-on, but even that did not discourage me from forging ahead in performing my duties to the nation,” he added.

He also urged practising journalists to focus more on investigative reporting to expose, without fear or favour, the wrongdoings committed by certain leaders who think they are above the law or can get away with their actions.

He dedicated the 303-page book to the unwavering commitment of his colleagues who valiantly fought for the democracy that is upheld in the country today.

“When I speak of my colleagues, I refer to every Nigerian journalist who discharged their duties with conscientious diligence during the prolonged military rule in Nigeria,” he said.

“Some were incarcerated, many were subjected to brutalisation, others sought refuge in exile, and tragically, some perished in the struggle,” he added.

On what inspired him to write the book, Ojudu explained that it was meant to chronicle his past unrelenting endeavours and also to demonstrate that a journalist aiming to contribute to real change must avoid selective writing, self-censorship, fear, an undue love for money, laziness, and complacency.