Dr Charles Akinsete, who graduated with a First Class with the award of the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, in 2006, was a Tribune journalist. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of English, U.I. In this piece, the poet, teacher cum researcher shares part of his experiences in the Nigerian Tribune, where he once worked as a Senior Reporter.
It is often mentioned that ordinary things often lead to extraordinary tales. My journey into colonial world of journalism began in 2007. I had just returned from Lagos, having completed my National Youth Corps Service (NYSC) Programme. The plan was to start Masters Programme immediately and my parents were already enthused by the idea. But there was a twist to this fairy tale. I had to wait till the following year to pick up the form. One day, I was bored and decided to visit a friend nearby. It was an ordinary thing to do on an ordinary day. I never knew that my action would lead to an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, motivational challenges and groundbreaking opportunities.
That fateful evening, my bosom friend, Dapo Olaitan and I stood in front of his house, having spent much time discussing and recounting NYSC tales. He had served in Kano and I pretty much enjoyed his tales of riding a 1951 Raleigh bicycle, across vast landscape, occasionally gliding past one or two hyenas, scurrying around. Suddenly, Mallam Bako (Dapo’s nickname for serving in the North) pointed towards a man approaching us.
“Oh that’s Uncle Sam. He is a top journalist in the Nigerian Tribune.”
“Who?” I inquired.
But before Mallam Bako could respond, the visibly energetic and charismatic man had joined us. He greeted us warmly and we started another round of conversations about the future. When Uncle Sam learnt that I have a degree in English, he excitedly asked if I would like to work as a journalist. Skeptical, I insisted on my plan to start my Masters. But he remained unrelenting, arguing that I can combine that while working as a journalist, listing every possible benefits I would gain, instead of loafing around. In the end, I decided to apply for the job and I am so grateful I made that life-changing decision.
I spent four good years in the Nigerian Tribune, and today, I can boldly say I have no regrets. My first year was so tough and difficult. The Nigerian Tribune taught me that there is a big difference between certificate and acquisition of transformative skill. I would never forget the first article I had to edit. I confidently did my job and submitted to one of my supervisors then, Mr Stephen Gbadamosi. He simply took the paper and an hour later, all the pages were smeared with red ink. I was embarrassed. My bosses were demanding, expecting nothing less than perfection. I was trained and retrained in every capacity. I was taught to be tenacious, mentally focused and careful. I learnt to be extraordinary with my everyday task. Timing was everything. The training I had in the Nigerian Tribune significantly laid the foundation for my academic journey today.
The life of a journalist is tough and more often than not, journalists are often not given the kudos they truly deserve. You need to be on your toes all the time and this could be physically and mentally exhausting. But one of the beautiful coping mechanisms in the Nigerian Tribune is team spirit. Yes, it is a formal organisation, professional and efficient. But it is also a family. The practice of brotherhood and sense of belonging is extraordinary, creating an oasis of solace and encouragement in dire times.
I would like to round off my brief expose, with an expression of gratitude to my numerous formators: Mr Taiwo Adisa, Pastor Olanrewaju Sulaimon, Mr Dapo Falade, Dr (Mrs) Lewis and a host of others who inspired, encouraged, chastised and assisted me. I cannot mention them all. My memories of The Nigerian Tribune remain strong, salient and sacred: an aeonian oasis, sopping with songs of ingrained inspiration and drums of resounding success in this arduous and complex journey of life.
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