By Toheeb Babalola
While planning my trip to Lagos State, Nigeria, for a workshop and investigative story field work, I encountered a problem with finding lodging. Unlike previous visits to the state in recent years, I intended to stay longer this time.
For residents, it is never easy to find accomodation in the “Centre of Excellence,” let alone visitors. I tried a few different approaches but was unable to get in touch with some of my contact lists. I had no friends or family in the state.
As I was surfing LinkedIn, I could not help but think of Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin , a mentor who has been there for me since my time on campus. I sent him a direct message explaining my upcoming trip, and he replied that he had a place for me to stay for three days.
On Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, I traveled 1½ hours to West Africa’s most populous city.
After reaching Ọgbà, I made a stop at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, then heading towards Caterpillar Bus Stop and crossing to Fadare street where Mr. Lekan’s Media Career Development Network office is located.
As I entered the compound, the gateman led the way, and I saw Mr. Lekan using his laptop to facilitate in a virtual meeting. He gave me sign to drop my bag and sit.
He inquired about my travels and how simple it was for me to find his office. In terms of media employment, he gave me advice on why I should labour diligently.
Hours later, one of his Staff (I forgot his name) came around, we gisted about the challenges facing mass communication departments. Three of us made our way to the adjacent cafeteria, where we were given food plates. We also went to a laundry to pick up his suits, which he had prepared for a Campus Journalists’ programme at Lagos State University of Technology.
At night, we drove along Abule ẹgba where his first son resided to pass a night.
Mr. Lekan sat me down early the next day and asked me to talk about my experience as a Campus Journalist and intern. We discussed how lecturers derailed students while making selection of internship in the mainstream media by neglecting media centre like Media Career Development Network .
He requested that I go with him to Lagos State University of Technology, Ikorodu, where he had a guest speaking engagement scheduled for the inauguration of fresh Campus Journalist’s executives.
We drove back to his Office to pick his books (Our Punch Years, Journalist You Ought to Be and Others), Noah Aderoju joined us.
Getting to the Campus, we met Yinka Olaito , the Executive Director of African Foundation for Young Media Practitioners (AFYMP) and his team at the venue of the event. He was so surprised like “Toheeb, why are you in Lagos?”
I took charge of the photography and I covered the whole event. After the event, I dropped at Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa to pursue my investigative story.
See you in Part 2
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