Behind every intriguing report and story we read is a voice and a mind that is propelled by curiosity and the passion to inform, educate, save lives and keep the public abreast of happenings around them.
This voice could be a man’s or a woman’s but today, in celebration of the International Men’s Day, we choose to acknowledge the men, both living and dead, who have been catalysts for reformation and have challenged abnormal norms through media and journalism.
Today, we celebrate the passionate men who stayed and are still staying dedicated to upholding the truth even under serious pressure and dangerous conditions.
In a country like ours, where press freedom and independence is like a mirage, Dele Giwa’s story is a typical example of this situation. Being assassinated by a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986 after reporting on issues of corruption on the part of the government, the Nigerian journalist and editor’s story shows the degree of passion, bravery and selflessness, it takes to be a voice in the media.
Not only that, his death also highlights the dangers and threats posed when journalists uncover truths that are intended to be concealed. Men like Dele Giwa have made sacrifices that cannot be forgotten in the media and journalistic space by upholding accountability and true democracy.
Asides Dele Giwa, there are many other men in media who display bravery and courage where others would not dare to tread. From covering wars in Iraq and genocide in Rwanda to doing on-ground reporting of natural disasters in Haiti and Sri Lanka, Anderson Cooper, an American broadcast journalist, showed that journalism for him was beyond a job or career– it was a calling to help humanity in the way he could despite the risk involved in frontline journalism.
Journalists and Media professionals like Dr Tosin Adesile, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, Mr Kabir Adejumo and Dr Ebony Oketunmbi are also men who have despite their commitment to the media, dedicated themselves to the mentoring of budding journalists and communicators both on campuses and in media clubs. Their investment in young journalists shows their commitment to nation building and ethical journalism.
Other journalists like Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, John Momoh, chairman and CEO of channels Tv, Chude Jideonwo, a Nigerian TV host and media entrepreneur are also notable men who have greatly impacted and contributed to media, journalism and even activism across Nigeria and globally.
On this International Men’s Day, we celebrate all the men in the world who through seen and unseen sacrifices and passion bring stories to life, the ones who bring compassion, humanity and fairness to their jobs, the ones who make good decisions in the newsroom, the ones who through their narratives serve as a voice to the voiceless and help the oppressed get justice.
Happy International Men’s Day!
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