- * His Untold Story!
By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)
Ace Journalist and General Manager/Editor-in-Chief of the Vanguard Media Group, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, has formally retired from the media firm after a meritorious 37 years of professional practice in active journalism.
Adefaye, also the current Provost of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, began his media career in Vanguard Newspapers in 1985, just fresh from his internship newsroom training with the Enugu state based The OUTLOOK Newspapers then published by renowned author and pro-democracy activist, Dr Arthur Agwuncha Nwankwo. He also had a brief stint with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as a cub reporter.
The eminent journalist began his career in Journalism, armed with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He later obtained his Master's degree in the same Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.
Upon securing employment with the Vanguard newspapers 37 years ago, Adefaye, a native of Igboya Community in Ile Ife, Osun State, South West, NIgeria, began as a news Reporter and Features Writer where he exhibited his proficiency in English language and writing craftsmanship.
He was elevated to the position of Editorial Training Manager and subsequently Group Chief Sub-editor and later Editor of the Daily Vanguard title in 1998 after the exit of the then Editor of Vanguard and now Publisher of BusinessDay Newspaper, Mr Frank Aigbogun.
However, 17 years later on the saddle as Editor of the flagship title, Gbenga Adefaye was appointed by the Vanguard Media management as General Manager/Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper group owned by respected veteran journalist and columnist, Mr Sam Azuka Pemu (aka Sad Sam) or popularly known "Uncle Sam".
NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper learnt on Monday from competent Vanguard sources, that Mr Adefaye had been nursing the idea of going for his retirement when he turned 60 years, after spending over 35 statutory working years on the job. According to the source, the Journalist believes that he has indeed paid his dues on the job and therefore should step aside to give the more younger practitioners the opportunity to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the foremost media company.
Adefaye was said to have personally announced his decision to retire in a "Thank You Note” message at the weekend. He was also said to have expressed his earnest appreciation to his employers and colleagues for successful service years to the Vanguard newspaper organization.
Adefaye had reportedly scribbled: “After 37 years of an unblemished and eventful professional career as a journalist and editor, I have decided to move on. I hope that I can continue to count on your friendship, support and goodwill".
Gbenga, as he was generally addressed by his colleagues in Vanguard and in the profession, was undoubtedly instrumental to the corporate growth and prosperity of the Vanguard newspapers within the period he was in charge of the management of the editorial and administrative affairs. He improved the general operations of the company both in its Kirikiri Lagos headquarters and at it's regional and state operational locations.
Under Adefaye, Vanguard equally improved in sales profile and in sundry visibility as a news organization, especially through its major editorial titles, in other specialised publications, annual lectures and awards recognitions and Economic/Business project events. His tenure is said to have impacted positively on the general well-being of the company.
Not only in Vanguard Media, however, Adefaye, who is a former two-tenure President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) has played significant roles, even after leaving office as NGE boss, in positively improving the Editor's Guild body. It was said to be to the credit of Gbenga that the NGE produced its current National President and incumbent Editor of the Daily Vanguard, Comrade Eze Anaba, whose initial steps so far since being elected as President of the Guild of Editors on Friday, June 16, 2023, is widely commended.
But while as the numero uno in Vanguard, Gbenga Adefaye was seen, not by a few of his colleagues, as a "power monger", infact too audacious in his relationship and management approach, and even dreaded by most of his colleagues and peer editors within the establishment. On the exterior, Adefaye is gentle and calm but profoundly calculating like a stalking hyena. He is instinctively territorial though, but sufficiently intelligent and creative!
As editor of the Daily Vanguard, he was somewhat "too powerful" and extremely imperial. Being out of favour with Gbenga Adefaye was enough to determine the career of any journalist within the Vanguard family. He practically relished in his parallax view of his importance and place while on the job.
And the fact that he was allegedly so loved and trusted by the Publisher/Chairman of Vanguard, Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, essentially for his power of judgement and competence, however, made Adefaye more sure-footed and something of a "Thin God" in the Vanguard establishment, while he reigned.
Despite his perceived human shortcomings in his service years as a boss, however, not a few staff under him could testify to Adefaye's peculiar good nature and often avuncular disposition and kindness. His propensity to be political with almost everything notwithstanding, he has been instrumental to the growth, in career, of many editorial and allied staff of Vanguard newspapers under his command. Adefaye is noted for his penchant to reward hardwork and competence, just as he frowns at mediocrity and punishes for sloppiness.
As this great newsman finally pulls out of the organization that has shaped his journalism career for 37 solid work years, Adefaye will be surely remembered in multiple ways. He certainly will be missed by his colleagues and subordinates, most of whom he has impacted positively on their careers over the years.
Gbenga may be retired but he is surely not tired yet. Nigerian Journalism will continue to need him, whether in and out of the profession! NNL.
