TheCable at 7: May the tribe of Simon Kolawole abound

Look, there are very few journalists around who are thoroughbred as Simon Kolawole. As a matter of fact, when you are counting the leading lights of journalism in Nigeria today, it is impossible that you would count your finger twice before mentioning Simon Kolawole.

He had long been an inspiration for me before we eventually met, I mean I had connected with him through his weekly opinion much before then. Even after we met, I have come to be blessed by his life, values, and ideals more than I could have asked for, it is the reason that I am not surprised that his brainchild TheCable is turning 7 today. As is usual of every successful story like this one, the journey may have been rough, but it has surely been eventful and totally worth it.

I recall Simon Kolawole sharing the story of how he started TheCable with us at the Citizens Conference last October, it was a story of daring and courage, so much that it speaks to what Mrs Maryam Uwais described earlier in the week at the BAMP session we had on principles of leadership that “the worst thing is to refuse to take a decision because you think you are going to fail”. I totally agree with her, that indecision, is worst than the actual failure itself, because indecision is a fear of what we have not seen, gladly Simon Kolawole took that journey 7 years ago that has now completely redefined news reporting in Nigeria and yes, Africa.

I am not surprised that TheCable is flourishing, when you look at the man behind the idea, you are likely to be surprised that he has built TheCable from zero to a multi-million-naira platform (modest assumption). Although, asides that in Christianity 7 represents perfection, I think that in this case it also represents success, there are so many things to learn from TheCable’s brand of journalism. From leading in accurate news reporting, breaking some of the ground-breaking investigative stories, to the quality of its featured opinion and the simplicity of its news reporting, there is no argument that TheCable has become an impeccable template for news reporting in Africa.

I know that very little is said about the man, as a matter of fact I know Simon Kolawole himself tries to shy away from media attention, despite being the news himself but let me tell you a short story. Last October when I invited Simon Kolawole as the Keynote Speaker for the Citizens Conference’20 where he was set to join other speakers like Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Hon. Shina Peller, Deyemi Okanlawon, Fatima Mamza and Seyi Awolowo, he agreed very gracefully without hesitation. He even used his influence to promote the event, Kind man!

Few days to the event, I had to send him a reminder, so he checked only to realise he has a flight to Lagos for the same time. But guess what, despite the trouble, he remained very graceful, showed equanimity and was very full of solution, so rather than rule out the possibility of attending, he told me he would consider other option, including the extreme remedy of having to cancel his flight for that day. 24 hours later, that was exactly what he did, he cancelled his flight just to be at that conference. That is the classic Simon Kolawole, would anyone then wonder how he has managed to keep and nurture some of the best journalists in Nigeria today? You perhaps have your answer.

I recall that at the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations’ Course I attended earlier in the month where I was inducted as an Associate of the Institute, Prof. E.S Daudara hinged his explanation on the concept of Professionalism on three parameters, they are Skill, Knowledge and most importantly Character. Simon Kolawole embodies all three, the word professional no longer suffice to describe him, he is an astute professional, because you must also talk about his ability to spot talents and turn them into superstars, another character that makes him stand tall. Difference!

It is the reason, I could not think beyond him to write the foreword for my coming book, like I noted in my acknowledgement I do not think anything gave me so much confidence while I was writing the book, like the time Simon Kolawole agreed to do the Foreword, I did not even have to say so much, he was already sold to the idea and was very happy to do it for me.

Simon Kolawole remains one of Nigeria’s biggest asset today, both as a renowned Journalist and Media Executive, we must protect him at all costs, our nation needs many of his kind, he will remain a big inspiration to many young people, including my self.

Congratulations to Simon Kolawole on TheCable’s 7th year anniversary, I can imagine the joy of seeing what was once an idea become a big man only at 7.

And one other thing, I am very happy to be associated with the brand as a contributor myself. It is my prayer today, that the tribe of Simon Kolawole will abound, our country needs more of him. Clearly.