By Femi Alufa
Happy birthday to an inspiring role model, mentor and hero!
One of our best cerebral Nigerian journalist,columnist,historian and author. Chief Dare Babarinsa is one of the founders of Tell magazine where he served as Executive Director for 15 years until his retirement in 2005. He was the Editor-in-Chief/MD of The Westerner news magazine until March 1, 2011. He is now the Chairman and Chief Executive of Gaskia Media Ltd, Lagos.
He was born in Okemesi, Ekiti State, Nigeria on May 9,1955.He attended St. Andrew’s Anglican primary school, Okemesi -Ekiti, 1962-1967,Ife Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Ife, 1969-1973,Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 1976-1978,University of Lagos, 1978-1981.
He started his journalism career as a Staff writer, defunct Drum magazine in 1982,National Assembly correspondent, Concord Newspapers, 1982-1983,Chief Correspondent, Concord, 1983-1984.He was a pioneer staff, Newswatch magazine, 1984,Associate Editor, Newswatch, 1990.He was one of the founders of the TELL magazine along Messrs Nosa Igiebor, Onome Osifo -Whiskey and others, Executive Director /Editor, TELL magazine, 1991-2005,He was also the Editor-in-chief, The Westerner News Magazine owned by Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
He is currently Chairman and Editor -in-Chief at the Gaskia Media limited. His published works includes, House of War, a political Odyssey of the Nigerian Second Republic as it involves Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his disciples.
Dele Giwa, the founding editor -in-chief of Newswatch magazine wrote on Babarinsa’s cerebral and finest journalism :”You have established yourself as the in-house biographer, our own Theodore White, no less. You write with such feeling that men and women, dead or alive, ancient or contemporary, stand before our readers in flesh and blood, with their strength, weakness, wart and all. Few writers are able to do this. We salute you. “
“Babarinsa, husband of Chief(Mrs)Modupe Ihinosen and father of four children has infused into Nigerian journalism an intellectual vigour that is bound to transform the landscape of the profession.”
Sir, We are very proud of you and we have imbibe from your fountain of wisdom, scholarship and erudition as one of the finest intellectual that Ekiti has given to the world.
It has been seventy good years of God’s bountiful grace and favour upon your life.
Your exploits and peregrinations in journalism, public enlightenment and democratic struggles especially during the days of military dictatorship in Nigeria are indeed inspiring.
You are indeed an embodiment of truth,candour and constancy of purpose.
You have inspired so many, and your impact is truly remarkable to our profession, country and humanity.
Here’s to celebrating your special day and all your living legacy before your very eyes.
May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude for all you do.
Happy Birthday Sir!
Igba Odun, Odun Kan ni Ooo.
- Femi Alufa, Esq is the
Publisher/ CEO of the
Ekiti Summit News Media Group.