Metro Newspaper

Good Language, Journalism,

Folorunso Fatai Adisa,

Good Language and Journalism

Folorunso Fatai Adisa

Thriving in journalism and writing brilliant reports hinge deeply on language dexterity and creativity. Your proficiency in using language will reflect in your reports and can elevate you to stardom in the field.

Undoubtedly, language is the vehicle of communication; if the language is faulty, communication might be faulty as well.

Mastery of language has been one of the unique qualities that set apart journalists like Lateef Jakande, Peter Enahoro, Alade Odunewu (Allah-Dey), Adamu Ciroma, Andy Akporugo, Olabisi Onabanjo (Ayekooto), Sam Amuka-Pemu (Sad Sam), Tunji Oseni, Tola Adeniyi, Turi Muhammadu, Henry Odukomaiya, Dipo Ajayi, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, and Areoye Oyebola. Most of these I learned about, except for Akogun Tola Adeniyi “Aba Saheed,” whose works I have read.

Then there is the era dominated by the quartet—as described by historian-journalist Dare Babarinsa—of Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, and Yakubu Mohammed, who gave us the old Newswatch in the roaring 80s. I greatly admire Ray’s radiantly ravishing writing. I’ll add the Tsar of Satire, Olatunji Dare to this list.

Who can forget the wonderful word-weaving world of Stanley Macebuh, Henzy Idowu, Idowu Sobowale, Lade Bonuola, Femi Sonaike, and Tunji Oseni?

My stint at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, which is tied to Sonaike and Sobowale, made me keener about both. I’ll also add Mike Awoyinfa, whose birthday is today, along with Sam Omatseye and Lasisi Olagunju.

The attached shot of the front page of today’s Metro Newspaper that I picked up on the bus drove my mind to the creative use of words in journalism. Nigeria’s journalism, too, was richly blessed and remains blessed with a handful of people who practice the trade (and tirade) of words creatively and captivatingly.

*Folorunso Fatai Adisa writes from the UK