What kind of hands-on training and tutelage can editors give their reporters on the job? Below is an excellent example contained in a letter pioneer Assistant Editor, later Editor and Editor-In-Chief, of The Guardian, Femi Kusa wrote to Collins Obibi, then a reporter on August 7, 1991.
The letter contained in the book The Making of the Nigerian FLAGSHIP: A story of The Guardian shows the type of mentorship that went on at The Guardian back then.
Obibi, then a relatively new hand in the newsroom, asked for guidance on how he would be a good reporter and writer.
Here was Kusa’s response:
Collins Obibi,
I apologise that I am just replying to your note of June 12, 1991.
Not out of slight. Please, I ‘be been very busy. Just worked up to it in the working file this morning.
I would like to assure you that since you earned the job like everyone else, you have the potentials of a great reporter.
Otherwise, it would have been difficult for you to land a job on this newspaper which places recruitment emphasis on industry, excellence and discipline. I have no doubt at all that these attributes will unfold very soon.
The best and the fastest way to develop yourself, as I say often, is to study quality newspapers published abroad. In this category, you will find The Times of London, London Observer, The Guardian of London, New York Times, Herald Tribune, Korean Herald, e.t.c. Study them for:
Use of English
Style
Depth
Communication aim and effect
Subject scope and, above all
Ideas.
“All human societies are basically the same. Do not always wait for the few copies I pass around. Either buy or obtain free back copies from the embassies. You are free within the instruments of time to drop me a few lines regarding a copy idea that you have. I would strive to develop a brief for you.”
Obibi became features editor of The Guardian ten years later.
The Making of the Nigerian Flagship: A story of The Guardian is written by Aaron Ukodie and O’seun Ogunseitan