 At 80, Hadj Alade Odunewu does not look his age. He carries on with such elegance in speech, in gait and in looks that he can pass for someone much younger. Allah-De, as he is fondly called by friends, associates and colleagues, has carved a niche for himself in the profession. At his age, he is very much abreast with developments and trends in journalism and still participates actively in journalism workshops, seminars and events.
Educated at the Regent Polytechnic, now University of Westminster as a Federal Government Scholar in the 50s, Hadj Odunewu began his journalism career with the Daily Times in 1950 as a reporter. He was editor/managing editor, Tribune, 1956-1957; editor, Daily Service, 1959-1960; editor-in-chief, Allied Newspapers,1960-1964; editor, Sunday Times, 1964; editor Daily Times, 1964-1968; editor-in-chief, Daily Times, 1968-1969.
He has also held some of the most challenging public communications assignments; Commissioner of Information, Tourism and culture in Lagos State, Public Complaints Commissioner and Electoral Commissioner at the federal level.
Allah De, who turns 80 on November 20, spoke with Media Review's Lekan Oladeinde on sundry issues in the media industry.
Congratulations on your 80th birthday. How do you feel turning 80?
I feel like anybody attaining that age. I feel good and excited; other than the ailment associated with old age I feel good and happy.
What inspired you to take up a career in journalism?
The inspiration came from my late brother, Mobolaji Odunewu, himself a distinguished journalist, who was one of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe's editors. Dr. Azikiwe had a chain of newspapers including the Eastern Nigeria Guardian based in Port Harcourt. He was the editor of the paper for many years. I stayed with him in Port Harcourt and so inspired me to take up a career in Journalism.
Journalists then, just like today, were respected people in the society.
Are you fulfilled as a journalist?
I am fulfilled. I have held virtually all the important posts in the print media. I was a reporter, sub-editor, columnist, editor, editor-in-chief and administrator. I have been successful as a columnist. I have had accolades from associates in the profession. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), of which I was a former president, has honoured me. The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Newspaper Proprietors Association (NPAN) have all honoured me. My contribution was recognized in Abeokuta in an event organized by late Tunji Oseni (may his soul rest in peace) to mark the 140 years of journalism in Nigeria. The icing of the cake was the Life Achievers Award by ThisDay newspapers. So, if you add all these together, I'm fulfilled. I have this feeling that if I have the opportunity of coming back to this world, I would be a journalist. The job is interesting and exciting. Journalism is an occupation where the most important thing is job satisfaction. The moment you are satisfied with the job you are doing, you are happy and fulfilled.
Compare journalism today with what it was in your days when you were active?
In my days, it was Jack-of-all-trade. You were a reporter, a sub-editor, a proof reader etc, but today you are dealing with advanced technology. If it took me two hours to write an Allah De column, because I had to research and look for more facts in the library, it will take the modern journalist less than an hour, because you have better material to work with. The computers are there, the Internet is there. Journalists today have better tools to work with. So, you are talking about ancient tools versus advancement in technology. Again, there is specialization in the profession now.
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