By Femi Alufa
“Man comes into the world and while he lives, he embarks upon a series of activities absorbing experience which enables him to formulate a philosophy of life and to chart his course of action…Nevertheless, his biography remains a guide to those of the living who may need guidance either as a warning on the vanity of human wishes or as encouragement or both.”
- Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, My Odyssey.
BABAFEMI OJUDU (Journalist, Political Activist and Politician): Born on 27th of March, 1961 in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.He attended Emmanuel Primary School and Ado Grammar School, both in Ado-Ekiti for primary and secondary education. After high school in 1977, he worked briefly as a Clerical Officer with the Ministry of Education in Ondo State and the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMBN), Lagos.
He was admitted to study English at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State now known as Obafemi Awolowo University. At the university, he was very active in student politics and campus journalism. He graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor degree in English Studies.
Upon the completion of the NYSC at the Publications Unit, Faculty of Education, The University of Ibadan in 1985, he joined The Guardian newspaper as a Reporter-Researcher. While at The Guardian, he reported for Guardian Express, an afternoon publication.
In 1987, he completed a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
He left The Guardian Newspaper to join The African Concord magazine as a Staff Writer the same year, rising to become an Assistant Editor, before leaving in 1992 to join forces with other colleagues to establish The NEWS magazine. At the Concord, he was Chairman of the Chapel’s NUJ, Secretary of Lagos NUJ Ethics Committee and Chairman, Human Rights Committee.
Ojudu has also served on the board of International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global media advocacy group based in Canada.
He had since variously worked as Managing Editor; The NEWS, Editor P.MNews; Editor, TEMPO magazine and Editor, A.M. News, a daily newspaper. Ojudu has won many awards both as a reporter and an editor. He is married and has children.
He was the senatorial candidate for the Ekiti Central Senatorial District of Ekiti State on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)in the 2011 April general election.He won the April 2011 senatorial election and became the senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial district at the 7th national assembly,2011-2015.
In 2016 -2023, Senator Babafemi Ojudu served the Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari as the Special Adviser on Political Matters because of his political sagacity and governance acumen.
“A profile in courage” refers to a person, often an elected official, who demonstrates political courage by acting in accordance with their conscience and the public interest, even when it risks their career or popularity.
This concept is rooted in 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy’s 1957 book, Profiles in Courage, which highlighted eight U.S. senators who risked their careers for the greater good.
As a Guerilla Journalist,Pro – Democracy Activist and Politician, Senator Babafemi Ojudu is a Profile in Courage who has displayed courage by acting in accordance with his conscience, even when it meant facing opposition or risking his careers.
A man whose moral Integrity stands for the principles and the public good over political gain or popularity.
He is always willing to take unpopular stances or make decisions that stand only for the truth without mind whose Ox is gored and demonstrated courageous leadership in the face of adversity.
The adventures of a Guerilla Journalist is a memoir of an ordinary man who have acted extraordinarily with courage.
Senator Babafemi Ojudu is a profile in courage that we can proudly call an institution and a statement of ideology.
Happy Birthday to you Distinguished Leader sir.May your strength be firm.
Igba Odun Odun kan ni ooo.
Omo Ewi Otu,Omo aroro Ojo…
- Femi Alufa is the Publisher of the Ekiti Summit News Media and Curator of the #AncestoryHub