…Says: ‘Nigerian media industry is facing a survival crisis; there is no beat I haven’t covered’
*Raises concern over Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 to harass journalists, fake news; impact of unregulated social media, journalists’ poor remuneration and lack of welfare
*Ready to accept political appointments if conditions are met, lament uncomplimentary tales from colleagues who have been on similar track
*‘The PUNCH newspaper is a training ground. No place for lazy journalists in PUNCH. As ex-PUNCHers we shine anywhere, we are stars’
*‘On December 25, 2011 (Christmas Day) I broke the cover story in The PUNCH newspaper when Boko Haram detonated bomb at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla leading to the death of over 200 congregants and priests’
*‘I’m a divine project in the hands of God, some persons have money and decided to invest their money in other things, I chose to train my children and pursue a Ph. D within seven years’
*PLUS, how encounter with Chairman of THISDAY and Arise News Global Media, Prince Nduka Obaigbena changed his life forever
HE’S a man of letters. An intelligent, cerebral investigative journalist who thinks ‘outside-the-box’ daily. His imprints are all written in gold over the Nigerian media space. He is an authority in the nation’s media circle, yet humble and unassuming. He is a lover of God so passionate at the truth in whatsoever he does- a virtuous personality of unparallel integrity. His name is Dr Friday Olokor, a graduate of Literature-in-English at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in 1992, and the University of Lagos (MA in English Literature). He is known for his work in journalism and academic pursuits who devoted time writing articles in newspapers, discussing topical national issues, which climaxed in the struggles for the actualization of the June 12, 1993, election won by Chief MKO Abiola but invalidated by the military junta of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
From the Nigerian Tribune, The Guardian, PUNCH, TELL/DATELINE, TheNEWS/TEMPO, The Week and African Concord Magazines, you’d surely find his By-Line on the cover of those publications.
This versatile journalist, born in 1968 in Delta State, is recognized as an accomplished journalist who focused on accountability, respected for his work in journalism and academic pursuits.
In this rare chit-chat with a member of The Editorial Board of Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA, the Executive Editor & Group Managing Director, DR GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, this prominent editor bears his mind on all and sundry matters below:
*NAIJA STANDARD: What inspired you into journalism?
I was in Class 4, as it then was. And in 1985 in far-away Saint Charles College, Abavo in Ika South LGA of Delta State (then Bendel State), and Ndubuisi Ugbede was teaching us Literature-in-English. His pronunciation of English words in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels was Whitish. A further probe revealed that he was a journalist with DAILY TIMES, a kinsman from Igbodo in Ika North East LGA of Delta State. That was the first time I made up my mind that it’s either journalism or nothing else.
All the time we were conquering JAMB, I was one of the few who NEVER applied to study Law in any University. Why must it be Law? Lawyers are not more learned than Journalists. That’s now history! If it’s to answer “Barrister”, we have it in my family. When I found myself studying Literature-in-English at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in 1992, I devoted my time writing articles in newspapers, discussing topical national issues, climaxing in the struggles for the actualization of the June 12, 1993, election won by Chief MKO Abiola but invalidated by the military junta of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Reactions to cover stories in the media including Nigerian Tribune, The Guardian, PUNCH, TELL/DATELINE, TheNEWS/TEMPO, The Week and African Concord Magazines earned me my earlier journalism jobs with neither “Application for Employment as a Reporter” nor “I beg to apply…”
*NAIJA STANDARD: You have covered a lot of cover stories centered on politics, crime and metro for decades, what areas of investigative journalism are you specialized?
I am a Utility Reporter that covers many areas. I have seen all and done all. This earned me the appellation, “Olokor Everywhere”
On December 25, 2011 (Christmas Day) when Boko Haram detonated bomb at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla leading to the death of over 200 congregants and priests, PUNCH management knew more about my strength. For two weeks, I was controlling the front pages and two other inside pages with pictures. What we had were “Stories and Pictures by Friday Olokor.” That was how I became a popular brand in Religious Affairs reporting. Many newspapers came with a battalion of editors and reporters, but I beat them silly with exclusive reports.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are some of the evergreen moments of your media career?
I still remember carrying my ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ bag as if on evangelism, hunting for jobs from one newspaper to another in Lagos State. It reminds me of ‘The Great Trek’ (1835–1846) in South Africa, although mine wasn’t migration, and Mfecane War.
I have been detained, harassed, and dragged away by security agencies. You can Google search this: “My 28 Hours Behind Bars – Friday Olokor”
I was Judiciary Correspondent of Champion Newspapers and was invited to PUNCH through a friend who informed me about it. Even though I had spent over 10 years practicing, I was scared to apply for a higher position. Instead, I opted for the position of Senior Correspondent, because I needed it. That was how I started answering ‘Sir’ to those who should be my children.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Can you take us through a few moments of embarrassment in your media adventure?
My promotion stagnated for nine years in PUNCH. Even when I became Group Politics Editor in 2022, I became a victim of gang up. Several times, they wanted to bench me, meaning I shouldn’t be going out to report. I agreed but I was dominating the cover with irresistible stories. How did I get the contact for stories? How can you bench a foot soldier with many years’ experience? A good journalist does not need a beat to report good stories.
In 2010, before my family joined me in Abuja, I was queried because they said my wife was eating snacks at the reception. Lies! Lies!! Lies!!! They twisted it that it was in the newsroom. The then Bureau Chief and Head of Administration were sworn enemies. They used me to have their fragile peace. And I lost six days from my salary because your boss is always right. Few months later, one of them suffered a serious casualty. In fact, they both left unsung.
I was queried for taking photographs with Dino Melaye in his house after I posted them on Facebook. I was warned several times for being ‘too close’ to Dino Melaye, he saw the query. In 2017, I was ‘punished’ and transferred to Jos, but I returned with a Ph.D.
Laws were made for some persons. All fingers are not equal. The law on foreign trips was for a few.
*NAIJA STANDARD: When will you describe as the most challenging periods of your media transition?
I had no serious challenge; it was a smooth ride. But I have always been told to tune down my English and my lengthy so long a letter! Those guys have been nice, and I have learnt a lot from them. TV journalism is far different. I learnt so fast.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are your fears or phobia for media survival in Nigeria?
Print Journalism is gone! The Newspaper industry is grappling with high inflation, and increased printing costs, which have led to declining print sales and reduced advertising revenue.
The Nigerian media industry is currently facing a “survival crisis” due to several factors which have affected its role as the watchdog of the society. Our democracy has therefore been compromised by politicians. There are harassment, repression and intimidation.
The use of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 has become a major tool to harass journalists. There are also online bullies and intimidation from paid political influencers popularly known as “Data Boys”. Truth is being sacrificed on the altar of personal or business interests.
Other concerns are fake news, and impact of unregulated social media. Journalists face poor remuneration and lack of welfare, thereby reducing the credibility of reporting.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are the tools a good journalist should possess in this digital era to be able to report news accurately?
These consists of a combination of software, platforms, and mobile apps designed to enhance reporting, verification, data visualization, and content production. Modern toolkits should focus on mobility, digital forensics, and audience analytics.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Why and how did you migrate from print to broadcast journalism?
It was not planned but by divine providence. When on Thursday October 5, 2023, I resigned from PUNCH after 15 years, I had nowhere in mind. But I know that I won’t go hungry with God on my side and I’m not lazy. I resigned as Group Politics Editor, more than one year after my appointment because the place was becoming cold, and the handwriting on the wall already negative.
The red flags were there. Before then, I had been discussing with the Chairman of THISDAY and Arise News Global Media, Prince Nduka Obaigbena who’s my kinsman for a political appointment. He told me to be patient. As I awaited the expiration of my one-month resignation notice, I was in a popular Abuja Garden with my friend, Emmanuel Bello. ‘Have you informed your brother that you have resigned from PUNCH?’, he asked, to which I answered in the negative. He said, ‘please tell him.’ I dialed his line, he called back and I broke the news. Why? I explained, reminding him of the promises for political appointment. “What next?’, he asked. “I’m available”, I replied. I had two options, either THISDAY or Arise News. I opted for the latter for two reasons: It’s a new terrain; it has become a global brand. I was instructed to resume IMMEDIATELY. But I had to wait for my one month notice to elapse on Sunday November 5, 2023. On Friday November 10, 2023, I joined Arise News. It’s all history now and there are no regrets at all. The gate for political appointment is not closed.
*NAIJA STANDARD: You were famous in The PUNCH Newspaper for breaking news, hitting cover page, what lessons did you take away from The PUNCH that is useful to you presently in Arise News TV?
The PUNCH is a training ground. Lazy Journalists have no place in PUNCH. Ex-PUNCHers shine anywhere they go. We are stars. If I’m sleeping and I’m called to do a special report, I can turn it in within one hour. The PUNCH experience is my strongest point, and it has helped me to pull through in Arise News.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are your regrets in life, and could you mention other media projects you are working on now?
Regrets! I don’t have any regrets because God has been in charge of my life. I don’t compete with anyone because God has blessed me. I’m contented, God’s time is the best. I’m a divine project. Some persons have money and have decided to invest their money in other things like more wives which I don’t have. But I chose to train my children and pursue a Ph. D within seven years. Choices and priorities differ! I have a Ph. D; they don’t have one.
*NAIJA STANDARD: If you have not been a journalist, what other career would you have embraced?
It’s journalism and nothing else. Maybe life would have been tougher for me. I had wanted to be a journalist and God directed me. To Him be the Glory.
*NAIJA STANDARD: If offered a political appointment in Nigeria, will you accept it?
I will accept political appointments as the Lord pleases and directs. But we must cross the ‘ts’ and dot the ‘ais’. The tales I hear from colleagues who have been on that track are not complimentary at all.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Finally, what legacy would you like to be remembered for in Nigeria media industry?
God should bless me to be a blessing to humanity. My journalism would be good if used to change society for the better.
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