It was an outpour of commendations and encomiums in honour of Dele Omojuyigbe PhD after spending 21 illustrious years in the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos.
Family members, friends, associates, colleagues, admirers and well-wishers of Dr. Omojuyigbe converged on institution for a special send-off ceremony to celebrate his virtues and accomplishments all through his decades of service to the institution.
The send-off event had in attendance: Former Special Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina who served as the chairman of the event; The Nation’s columnist, Femi Macaulay; Former Online Editor for The Nation, Lekan Otufodurin, NIJ Alumni President, Dr. Awosanya and other dignitaries.
Omojuyigbe joined the institution in 2004 and also served as the institution’s Deputy Provost, a position he held for two years.
Reading the citation, NIJ Registrar, Mrs Patricia Kalesanwo said: “Dele Omojuyigbe is a journalist and teacher. He holds a Doctorate in English from the University of Ibadan, with a specialization in Critical Discourse Analysis (Media Language Option). His Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were also in English, from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the University of Lagos, respectively. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Independent Journalism Centre, College of Journalism, Lagos.
“Omojuyigbe worked at Daily Times Plc from 1989 to 1998 as a feature writer, and later as acting editor of Headlines, a sister publication of Daily Times newspaper. He joined Grapevine news magazine as associate editor in 1998, and later became the editor of Meru magazine, a specialized publication focusing on African culture, health, and development. He later became the publisher/editor of College Reports Journal.
“Omojuyigbe joined the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos, in 2004, where he served as Head of the Department of General Studies for 15 years, and later as Deputy Provost for two terms of four years. Ten years ago, he was an adjunct lecturer at Lead City University, Ibadan. While on sabbatical from NIJ in 2015-2016, he served on the Editorial Board of Daily Independent newspaper in Lagos. Omojuyigbe has written many academic journal articles and published books.”
The Provost of NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye in his remarks eulogised Omojuyigbe, for his decades of service to the institution, especially his diligence, dedication, passion, hard work and commitment to work.
He said, “What we are doing here today is the first of its kind. Dr. Omojuyigbe was part of the team that reformatted NIJ. He welcomed me to this institution, and I must confess, he has exhibited exceptional integrity in working with him.”
The guest speaker at the event, Dr. Dapo Thomas, a senior lecturer at Lagos State University in the Department of History and International Studies, urged journalists-in-training to dream big and jettison unprofessionalism, emphasising it diminishes one’s status.
Speaking on the topic: “The Journalist and His Vanishing Dream: The End of an Intervention”, Dr. Thomas said: “A journalist is a professional gathering information, more appropriately what the Yoruba would call ‘Alarinka.’ They are regarded as the watchdogs or, better still, security dogs or vigilantes.
“The first dream of a journalist is to become a thoroughbred professional. They want to be an influential and famous professional who can help in shaping opinions and influencing government decisions or policies. To avoid being an ‘Alarinka’—walking around the streets late in search of news—they dream of becoming famous and reputable so they don’t have to walk the streets before getting their news.
“As far as I’m concerned, there’s no crime in a professional dreaming of becoming wealthy or successful. It is legitimate. I mean, it’s a legitimate dream.
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“Every journalist should think outside the box. Leave the circle of the brown envelope. Turn yourself into a brand. Make a name. Maintain your integrity and never limit yourself to the brown envelope. Don’t get addicted to it. Editors in the newsroom should give reporters room to grow regardless of the monetary rewards and nurture them not to limit themselves to the envelope.
“Journalism is time-consuming; it’s a job where you arrive and don’t know your closing time. If you want to be truly dedicated to journalism, you will work and forget about your personal life. So, be wise! While you’re trying to make a name for yourself, don’t get too committed by neglecting yourself for other opportunities.
“Create other sources of income for yourself, even within the journalism circle. Carve a niche for yourself. Do not compromise your values, standards, or morals.
“Plan the end from the beginning. Do not be caught off guard. Plan your retirement from the moment you begin because, one day, this dream you are pursuing will come to an end.”
The highlight of the event was goodwill messages and gift presentations from colleagues and well-wishers who graced the occasion.
Dr. Omojuyigbe in his appreciation message expressed his sincere gratitude. He said: “Honestly, i don’t know what to say, i am amazed, and that’s why i started with singing to God, i thank you all for this honor, i was in the dark of all of these, i didn’t even know you had all this planned, to the students, thank you very much, they are writing their exams and fasting at the same time, thank you all.
“To the management, everyone, i appreciate you all, my friends and colleagues, i appreciate you all, to my family, thank you for coming, i am grateful.”