Assistant Business Editor of The Punch, Femi Azu on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, had a send-off ceremony held for him by colleagues following his resignation.
In this Facebook post, Azu, who is returning to BUSINESS DAY as News Editor, recalled his memorable stay in The Punch and appreciated the support of many senior colleagues and others.
A graduate of Accountancy, Azu joined The Punch from BUSINESS DAY where he was Energy Reporter.
“Yesterday marked the end of my journey in PUNCH Nigeria Limited, publishers of Nigeria’s most widely read newspaper.
“I was wowed last night by the rousing send-off the newsroom gave me, courtesy of the Business Desk.
“More than seven years ago, I joined the organisation as a business correspondent – it was, without doubt, a dream come true! It was in December 2011 that I first made an effort to work there – having resolved to pursue my passion for journalism at the expense of the accounting I studied – but it was to no avail.
“Working in PUNCH was a worthwhile experience; it was interesting and challenging. The company provided an opportunity for me to become a better journalist, and I did not let it go to waste; I was unflinchingly committed to sharpening my reporting and editing skills.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who contributed to my professional growth.
“Profound thanks to Mr Adeyeye Joseph for influencing my career in a truly remarkable way! He did not know me from Adam when he gave me a chance to write the PUNCH test – I will share the full story in a book. All through my time in the company, I deemed it unnecessary to mention this to anyone. My focus was to do my work excellently and let my stories speak for themselves. I am immensely grateful to him for the pivotal role he played!
“I learnt a great deal from Mr Akinpelu Dada, my first and longest-serving line editor, and Mr Rasheed Bisiriyu, his assistant; they meticulously edited stories, and I had a swell time working with them. Many thanks to them.
“I have said this before but it bears repeating here: Mr Martin Ayankola’s vast experience and expert knowledge of energy reporting came in very handy for me as an energy correspondent. The then-editor of The PUNCH floated the idea for the story with which I won a CNN prize in 2015.
“Mr Ozioma Ubabukoh deserves special mention and thanks for all the help during our time in PUNCH and to date. A fine gentleman, he has always got my back.
“I also appreciate the other line editors I worked with and learnt from – Mr Dayo Oketola and Dr Everest Amaefule – and the current editor of The PUNCH, Mr Ademola Oni, who was kind enough to intentionally initiate a discussion with me sometime in 2016 on an important matter.
“In my early days in PUNCH, I had the opportunity to spend the night at Mr Joel Nwokeoma’s house. A jolly good fellow and a cheerleader for “dressing for success,” he would not hide it whenever he felt so impressed by my appearance.
“In my last role as assistant business editor, I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mr Oyetunji Abioye, the current business editor – he’s a level-headed man beyond question. I appreciate him and Ms Nike Popoola – the best neighbour I ever had in the newsroom – as well as other colleagues on the Business Desk and beyond for their support.
“As I was leaving The PUNCH Place last night, I voiced the fact that I would miss everyone and the edifice. I wish the company continued success.
“Outside of PUNCH, I cannot but thank Messrs Richard Akinnola, Lekan Otufodunrin, and ’Fisayo Soyombo for their support, particularly at the start of the journey.”
