BY DR (CHIEF) AISHA TOSAN AGBEREBI

The Opportunity

In 1987, after three failed attempts at the Joint Admission Matriculation Board exams, my dad’s friend, Barrister Isaac Ogodogu, suggested an alternative path. As a lecturer of press law at the Times Journalism Institute, he encouraged my dad to let me attend the institute instead of waiting to secure university admission. My ambition was to become a broadcaster, and this seemed like a great opportunity.

Cracking The Nut

After completing our 12-month course in 1988, four of us were selected for six months of industrial attachment at Vanguard Newspapers. However, we were told that only one of us would be accepted upon arrival. We had to write a short piece to convince the Deputy Editor, Chris Okojie, to choose one of us. I decided to write about my first day at Vanguard, observing the bustling atmosphere in the ‘Canal’ (Vanguard’s restaurant). As a young and inexperienced girl in my early 20s, I was fascinated by the sight of journalists drinking, smoking, and writing amidst the noise.

Inspired by this experience, my piece earned me a spot at Vanguard Newspapers, where I began my journalism career. I was ecstatic but also intimidated by the fast-paced environment. 

The Journey Begins

Deputy Editor Chris Okojie handed me over to Mr. Frank Aigbogun, the News Editor, who attached me to Jossy Nkowcha, the Senior Correspondent covering the Police Beat. Jossy warmly welcomed me, tutored me, and asked me to meet him the next day at the Kam Selem House, the then Nigeria Police Headquarters at Obalende.

As I followed Jossy to the Police Headquarters and other Police formations, I was exposed to the harsh realities of crime reporting. I returned to the newsroom at 4 pm, eager to write my scoops. But a month into my attachment, Jossy resigned, and the News Editor asked me to cover the Police Beat alone. I was terrified but didn’t dare express my fears to Frank Aigbogun, whose stone-faced demeanour intimidated me.

The next day, I began covering police assignments alone, and that’s when my journey in journalism truly began. One day, as I struggled to find the right words to start my story, Mr. Okojie walked into the newsroom. He noticed my frustration and approached me. With a gentle smile, he asked about my story and offered to help. Together, we crafted a captivating intro that drew the reader in. From there on, I learnt the importance of a strong opening sentence and how to structure my story for maximum impact.  

I began to develop my writing style, blending facts with engaging narratives. I learned to navigate the challenges of crime reporting, developed my writing skills, and built confidence in my abilities. Though Mr. Aigbogun was a demanding boss, I appreciated and still appreciate the lessons I learned from him and the opportunity to work with experienced professionals in the field.

Covering The Police Beat

Covering the Police Beat during the military era was a daunting task. The Police were hostile towards journalists, and everything was shrouded in secrecy. Press conferences were rare, and brief press releases needed more substance. Journalists relied on exclusive sources to uncover stories. The Inspector General of Police was revered like a deity, and State Command Commissioners were feared and almost worshipped. Writing anything negative about the police would invite their wrath. I had several run-ins with the Police, but one memorable incident stands out.

I uncovered a story at the Force CID, Alagbon, about the Ogun State Police Command disobeying a court order in the Loti-Lowaji communal crisis. The Court had ordered the Police to hold suspects in police custody, but CP Ogunba took some of them somewhere else, resulting in the death of some suspects. The families of the deceased cried out. I wrote the story Vanguard published, and the Ogun CP took offence, ordering my arrest. I was detained in the Eleweran State CID cell for a week. While in detention, I continued writing, following up stories on the Loti-Lowaji crisis. The Vanguard Ogun state Correspondent visited me and transported my stories to the Lagos office for publication.

Vanguard reported my detention daily for five days, titled “Vanguard Girl Detained.” The coverage embarrassed the military government and the Police, prompting the Inspector General of Police, Muhammudu Gambo Jemita, to order my release. The AIG Zone Two, Alhaji Ailyu Atta, drove to Abeokuta to secure my freedom.

The Value of Perseverance

Looking back, my time at Vanguard Newspapers was a transformative experience. I learned the value of perseverance and the importance of mentorship and storytelling. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career, shaping me into the astute journalist I am today. As Vanguard turned 40 this year, I would like to use the opportunity to thank Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, who gave me a platform to build my career.

Vanguard News