Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)
The Founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode Adedeji, has urged aspiring journalists and young professionals to uphold passion, integrity, and commitment as the core values needed to excel in the media industry and in life.
Penpushing reports that he gave this charge while featuring as a guest on MAPOLY Radio’s “Guest of the Week”, a personality programme of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, designed to inspire students through the life experiences of notable achievers.
The renowned journalist who is a member of International Press Institute (IPI), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) during the interactive session, reflected on his early beginnings as a clerk at the Ogun State Hospital, Sokenu, Abeokuta and how his unwavering passion for journalism guided his life’s journey.
Penpushing further reports that he narrated how his interest in journalism started during his secondary school days, when he regularly bought newspapers with his pocket money and read extensively.
The former Zonal Secretary Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-West, during the interview anchored by a veteran journalist, Kunle Oluwusi, recalled that his first published article in Daily Sketch newspaper, fueled his determination to pursue journalism full-time.
‘While in secondary school I have never thought of any profession than journalism. From my pocket money, I used to buy newspapers and read regularly. When I saw my first article published with my name, I was so excited it motivated me to keep writing,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Kayode-Adedeji recounted one of the most memorable moments in his career when one of his stories about the risks at the State Hospital, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, where he equally worked, which is now Federal Medical Centre (FMC) led to immediate government action.
The media practitioner recalled the write up has to do with porous nature of the hospital, which had no fence, adding that the write-up got the attention of the then Military Governor of Ogun State, who on same day of publication in the Daily Sketch newspaper ordered the construction of a fence around the hospital.
‘This development further spurs me to return to school and eventually got admission to Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. Each time I pass through that hospital today and see the fence, I feel fulfilled knowing that my pen made an impact’, he said
Penpushing reports that he disclosed that in the course of his journalism career worked with several notable publications including Daily Sketch, Third Eye, Monitor, Republic Newstar, Searchlight, Leadership, Daily Times, Post Express, Next Newspaper and Premium Times where he worked last to establish Penpushing Media.
The award-winning journalist, whose organization, Penpushing Media is in partnership with notable establishment which include United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lead Women Africa (South Africa) among others advised young journalists to avoid shortcuts and remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.
Penpushing reports that Kayode-Adedeji added that he has no regret being a journalist, explaining that the profession open door of success and influence for him, stressing that journalism is not about turning to a millionaire/billionaire overnight, emphasisng that as journalist you can be richer that those parading cash as only success story.
The Ijesa born journalist stated that what keep a successful journalist is passion, commitment and integrity, pointing out that any media practitioners who lack those qualities may remain like a stagnant water.
Penpushing further reports that he said these virtues was responsible for being honoured by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who personally sponsored his birth some years ago, adding that he has remain in contact with the former president till date.
The founder of Penpushing Media, owner of online newspaper and television disclosed that while growing in journalism, his mentors include Chief Olusegun Osoba, Tola Adeniyi, Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Liadi Tella, Idowu Sobowale and Eddy Aina among other veterans
Penpushing also reports that he recalled a bitter experience he had in the course of his journalism practice, explaining that it was during June 12, 1993 Presidential election crisis, when he was attacked by the military and almost lost his life.
The popular journalist emphasized that inspite of the bitter experience, he was not discourage to pull out, because of his love and passion for the noble profession, adding that rather, the incident further motivated him to continue what he knows doing best
Penpushing reports that Kayode-Adedeji, during the interview anchored by veteran journalist, Kunle Oluwusi disclosed that Penpushing Media as at the time of the radio interview had trained over 80 journalism/mass communication students on internship from various higher institutions across the country
“If you don’t have passion for your job, you go nowhere. Passion and integrity will open doors for you. As at today Penpushing Media has trained over 80 journalism/mass communication students on internship from various higher institutions across the country’, he emphasized
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