Publisher of Yes International magazine features 37 Nigerian journalists in new book

Azuh Arinze, publisher and editor-in-chief of Yes International magazine, has unveiled a new book on journalism in Nigeria.

The book titled: ‘Anything and Everything Journalism’ has been dedicated to Dele Giwa and Dimgba Igwe, two renown Nigerian journalists.

Giwa, who was the founding editor of NewsWatch, was killed by a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986.

Igwe was the co-founder of The Sun newspaper. He died on September 6, 2014.

The 448-page book is a collection of interviews with 37 of Nigeria’s exceptional journalists in print, online, and broadcast, and details their journey to the top.

Some of the notable journalists featured in the book are Simon Kolawole, Segun Osoba, Ray Ekpu, Bayo Onanuga, Mike Awoyinfa, Dele Momodu, Femi Adesina, Reuben Abati, Olusegun Adeniyi, Azu Ishiekwene, Ikechukwu Amaechi, Gbenga Omotoso, Dare Babarinsa, Musikilu Mojeed, Dotun Oladipo and Lanre Idowu.

Others are Eze Anaba, Christopher Isiguzo, Ali M. Ali, Bisi Olatilo, Larry Izamoje, Soni Irabor, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Femi Sowoolu, Bimbo Oloyede, Seye Kehinde, Louis Odion, Gbenga Adefaye, Funke Egbemode, Lekan Otufodunrin, Ibim Semenitari, and Shola Oshunkeye.

Speaking on why he dedicated the book to Giwa and Igwe, Arinze said “it’s first and foremost, to ensure that their memory continues to live, especially in a profession they gave their all”.

He said it is also to ensure that the “works of our heroes past must never be in vain”, adding that it took him years to have an individual meeting with all the exceptional journalists featured in the book.

The publisher said he started the project because of his love for the profession, adding that the book will serve as guidance to upcoming journalists.

He said the book will help them understand that journalism “could be rewarding if practised professionally and without cutting corners”.

Lasisi Olagunju, a journalist and biographer, in the foreword, recommended the book for students of journalism, public relations and image management.

Olagunju also recommended the book “to all who seek to understand why journalists do what they do and how they do it”.

The book would be launched alongside Arinze’s ‘My Story Of Many Colours’, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on March 24.

The event will be attended by Dakuku Peterside, former director-general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who would chair the occasion.

Chris Nworah, former managing director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, will be reviewing the book, while Micheal Ajayi is the royal father of the day.

Bimbo Ashiru, chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Nigeria Limited, will be the book presenter.

Some of the other books written by Arinze include: “The CEO’s Bible 1 & 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, A Taste Of Success, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career and Tested And Trusted Success Secrets Of The Rich And Famous”.