Bayo Onanuga: A Mechanism of Renewed Hope In The Media Industry 

BY DAVID PETER 

Bayo Onanuga is a Nigerian renowned journalist who has made significant contributions to the field of journalism in Nigeria and beyond. Onanuga began his journalism career in 1982 with The Guardian newspaper, one of the most respected newspapers in Nigeria.

Over the years, he has worked with several other media organizations, including PM NEWS newspaper and TheNews magazine, both of which he co-founded. These organizations have not only contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian media industry but have also created employment opportunities for many young Nigerians.

Onanuga’s work as a journalist has been characterized by a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the pursuit of truth. He is renowned for his investigative journalism, which has exposed corruption and other societal ills in Nigeria. Some of his notable works include the publication of the controversial book “The Killing of UNIBEN Students: The Story Untold,” which exposed the truth behind the killing of four University of Benin students by the Nigerian Police in 2005.

Onanuga’s contributions to journalism have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, he was appointed the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigeria’s largest news agency. During his tenure, he transformed the agency by introducing new technologies, enhancing its coverage of important events, and improving its distribution channels.

Under Onanuga’s leadership, NAN has become a major player in the global news industry. The agency has expanded its coverage to include international news and has established partnerships with several news agencies around the world. This has helped to improve the image of Nigerian journalism and has brought about a renewed sense of hope in the profession.

Onanuga’s achievements have not come without challenges. He has had to navigate the complex and often dangerous terrain of Nigerian politics and has faced threats to his life as a result of his work.

In the 90s, despite the challenges facing the media industry in Nigeria, including government censorship, lack of funding, and security threats, Onanuga remains optimistic about the future of journalism in Nigeria. He believes that the media has a crucial role to play in the development of Nigerian society and that with the right policies and support, the media can help to bring about positive change in Nigeria and beyond.

In 2022, Onanuga was appointed by the largest political party in Africa, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Director, Media and Publicity of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council to steer the electronic, print, and digital media of the presidential campaign.

Onanuga’s tutelage stride in the media strengthened the APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to broach as the most popular and marketable candidate in the presidential sprint. Nigerians and several media organizations were yawning to engage with Tinubu on an interview, town hall meetings, and several talk shows to which credible media organizations were given access.

Onanuga’s pragmatic stride during the campaign drastically swift the adverse narrative of Bola Ahmed Tinubu where he became the most predominant candidate across the federation. Through, Onanuga’s media campaign strategy where he served as the Director of Media and Publicity his socio-political engagement online redefined the youth’s ideology on Asiwaju’s competency to renew the hope of Nigerians, however, this contributed immensely to Asiwaju’s victory during the presidential election where (he) Bola Ahmed Tinubu was officially declared open as the president-elect by the Independent National Electronic Commission (INEC).

Onanuga was obliged to Asiwaju’s political struggle. He was a media watchdog on multiple communication channels to check-fact their media reportage and prevents inaccurate information about his principal. Nevertheless, televising stations like Arise TV and Channels TV were slammed for breaching the broadcasting code of conduct through their electronic transmission of unverified assertions which they were rightfully billed for their violation by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). This has cracked other media propagandists’ fora to secure ethical grounds for airing their programs, as well as, obstructing guests who spur fake memos while on live appearances.

Onanuga’s work has not only brought about positive changes in Nigerian political society but has also inspired a new generation of journalists to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work.

His impact on journalism in Nigeria is not only limited to his investigative journalism and leadership roles. He is also a mentor to many young journalists in Nigeria, offering guidance and support to those who wish to pursue a career in journalism.

He is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring journalists and media professionals.

Onanuga is a true hero of journalism who has made significant contributions to the media industry in Nigeria and beyond. His commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the pursuit of truth has inspired a new generation of journalists to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work. Through his work, he has shown that journalism can be a powerful mechanism for change and a source of renewed hope in the face of social, economic, and political challenges. Onanuga’s work has served as a beacon of renewed hope for the future of digital media in Nigeria and beyond political principles.

David Peter is an SA to the Cross River State Governor on Digital Media