It was a mind-blowing moment at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) on May 8 when the postgraduate students were informed by the Executive Director of Media Career Network, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin that he would clock 60 the next day.
Otufodunrin, a lecturer at the institute, had come into the Multimedia and Online Journalism class with a package the students did not know was a birthday cake he brought from a Media Leaders Summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State he returned from that afternoon.
No one guessed right when he asked them what could be in the white paper pack until he disclosed the content to their surprise as they loudly chorused “happy birthday sir.”
Instead of the scheduled lecture, Otufodunrin, former Sunday Editor and Managing Editor at The Nation Newspaper offered to take questions on his life and career at 60 during which he shared various memorable experiences to the delight of the students who were held spellbound by his recollections.
When Olawepo Yewande asked the celebrant to share his experience as a Journalist during the military era, when he worked at The Punch Newspaper, Otufodunrin, who has been a journalist since 1986 went down memory lane about how Journalists were rough handled and jailed back then.
He vividly narrated the experience of how he as News Editor of the defunct AM News and the Editor, Mr Femi Ojodu were locked up in a cell for a week over a report the paper published. “The worst of the civilian regime is better than the military regime. There was no press freedom. Journalists were jailed indiscriminately,” he said.
Otufodunrin, a first and second degree holder in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, worked in AM News when The Punch was shut down and proscribed for a year by the military regime of Late General Sanni Abacha.
Gbadebo Adewunmi inquired from the media icon how he has navigated and transited smoothly from analogue to digital and remain very relevant in the profession at his age.
” I have paid attention to the changes in the industry. I was very curious and I update my skills at every point of my career,” the media expert responded, adding that as far back as 1998, he travelled for a three months Advanced Journalism training in United Kingdom during which he acquired digital skills that have enhanced his career till date.
Considering that life is made up of “ups and downs”, Adesina Michael asked the founder of Journalists for Christ International Outreach “what is your source of motivation, especially during your low moments of discouragement.”
Otufodunrin admitted that he has experienced his own share of challenges over the years, noting that things are usually not smooth as one desires. “Sometimes, things won’t go the way you planned it. Those times could lead you to depression, but at such moments you need to learn to brace up to the challenges and encourage yourself.”
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“There was a time in my career I felt like a prodigal son because of a decision I took and how it turned out, but I didn’t allow it to stop me from bouncing back later. Your faith must be strong to overcome hard times and when necessary get the right counsel to forge ahead. Life is a long journey. Momentary setbacks should not be a hindrance to what you can still accomplish in future”
Musa Toliat further asked the veteran to advice students who are not sure if they should become Journalists or not, due to the mindset that Journalism is not for people who want to be rich.
Otufodunrin replied that every profession has its own peculiarity as “there are miserable Bankers, frustrated Engineers and Journalists are not the worst paid after all.”
“You need to believe that God has a purpose for your life and have a strong desire to be successful because sometimes Journalism may not give you the wealth you want but it will provide lots of opportunities,” he said citing examples of many accomplished journalists who have either excelled in the profession or moved on to some other endeavours based on the opportunities journalism gave them.
Asked of mistakes he has made in the past, he explained how he resigned from work as a full time staff in The Punch to be as an entrepreneur, but he wasn’t successful. “I thought I had all I needed to be on my own but I didn’t realise I had not built enough capacity.”
” To be a successful entrepreneur, I have learnt that you need to thorough understand what you want to get into and learn how to experiment gradually before launching out fully. You should be humble enough to ask questions and make necessary compromises if things don’t work out the way you want,” Otufodunrin advised.
Sulaimon Motunrayo sought clarification on why entry into Journalism is not regulated like other professions.
Otufodunrin maintained that Journalism is a profession with body of knowledge which every practitioner has to acquire but open to other graduates due to the nature of the wide area of coverage. He lamented that entry requirements into the profession is not being enforced by media owners and managers but encouraged media graduates to distinguish themselves as a professionals who knows the basic rules and ethics of the profession.
The class governor, Rufai Kehinde asked how Journalism student can transit to pursue a career in Counselling.
Otufodurnin who is a media career development specialist and media coach stressed the need to get relevant training and certifications, noting that communication knowledge can complement a successful counselling career.
The Celebrant who is grateful to God for attaining the milestone age of 60 despite life threatening illness he last year encouraged prospective Journalists to have a positive mindset amidst daunting challenges in the profession considering the various new opportunities they can maximise.
