By Qasim Akinreti PhD
Today, I rejoice with Kehinde Bamigbetan at 60 and commune with Oodua Afeniwero, progenitor of Yoruba race and founder of Ile ife Oodaye, nibi ojumo timowa (where the sun set). Babare Agbe o, Awe ni. Congratulations
Kehinde Bamigbetan started out as an activist and Union leader at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile ife, Osun State Southwest Nigeria. His comrades in activism among others include: Lanre Arogundade, Bolaji Adebiyi, Tony Iyare, Ayo Aluko and Iyobosa Uwugiaren.
These are colleagues in the Nigerian Guild of Editors. They are also formidable members of the New Trend Movement of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Ladi Lawal of blessed memory.
He was a crack reporter, features writer/ sub-Editor, plying the trade, first, with Broad Street Ventures in 1988, reporting, analysing politics, labour and arts. He moved to the Vanguard newspapers in 1991. He joined the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) as a member of the Vanguard chapels of the Lagos NUJ, rising to the position of the Chairman and Vice Chairman NUJ. He was the Deputy News Editor in 1992.
Within the Journalism circles, he struck a chord with notable journalists such as: Mr Ray Ekpu, Dele Giwa, Mrs Doyin Abiola, Dele Alake, Tunji Bello, Mrs Funke Fadugba and other colleagues in the media industry.
Popularly called Korky, by friends and admirers, I met him in 1994 as a member of NUJ Voice of Nigeria Chapel. The Ife local dialect brings us closer. He supported my aspirations to become the Chairman NUJ Lagos State Council,18 years later. Kenny, worked with close allies such as: Wahab Oba, Muhammed Garba, Lanre Arogundade, Bolaji Adebiyi, Ayo Aluko, Prince Adeyinka Amosun , Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Eze Ababa, Uncle Gbenga Adefaye among others.
Ever Caring for Common Good
On courtesy to the Bamigbetan office as the Lagos State Commissioner for information and strategy, when I was the Chairman NUJ Lagos State Council, he was very magnanimous to my request to build a befitting NUJ secretariat. N65 million proposal was sent to him with a prototype of three story Terrace on 9A Iyalla street,Ikeja. He assured me that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will approve it.
To my surprise, N25 million was approved as a take off grant. Today, the Ladi Lawal Press centre NUJ House is standing tall. The building was remodelled and 80 per cent completed by 2020.
Leye Ajayi administration completed the building. It was a gesture for Nigerian Journalists in the Lagos State Council. That was a legacy I will ever cherish in my life.
Emboldened by unique journalism skills, Bamigbetan established a community newspaper called Echonews Newspapers Limited, in 2018, to serve the people of Ejigbo, Isolo and Oshodi areas of Lagos State.
Bamigbetan gave voice to the voiceless in this geographical location of Lagos State . He mobilised the community towards development initiatives and public enlightenment.
In 2007, Kehinde Bamigbetan brought over 21 craft and tradesmen into the Professional and Marketers Association. This platform engaged the local government to negotiate, reduced shop rates and extend social welfare programmes to members.
The beauty of the community newspaper is its multimedia presence.
Kehinde Bamigbetan comes from a family in Ile-Ife, rooted in community service. His elder brother, Uncle Baju, was a Senator and former Nigerian High Commissioner.
He has equally served as local government Chairman, Special Adviser Community Relations and currently Special Adviser to Mr Deke Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals.
Best wishes always my brother , foremost Journalist, activist, politician, consultant and entrepreneur. A distinguished and proud Ile Ife son . May your days be long.
Qasim Akinreti PhD, Deputy Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria, former Chairman, NUJ, Lagos State Council, 2017-2020
