By: Biodun Durojaiye
Today, I celebrate my brother, colleague, and long-time friend, Gabriel Akinadewo, on the occasion of his birthday.
My relationship with Gabriel dates back to around 2008 when we both worked at the now-defunct Nigerian Compass. That was where we first met.
He was the Weekend Editor while I joined as the Online Editor. Even before then, Gabriel had already distinguished himself in journalism, having served as Politics Editor and later Group Politics Editor of The Nation. I had also previously served as News Editor of The Examiner after leaving National Concord.
Gabriel had — and still has — strong relationships with many of Nigeria’s leading political actors. At the time, there were widespread rumours within the industry that Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who founded Nigerian Compass while serving as Governor of Ogun State, did so partly at Gabriel’s persuasion.
As publisher, Otunba Daniel elevated the welfare of journalists by introducing employment packages that were almost unheard of in the industry then, including brand-new cars for editors and other senior staff. Unsurprisingly, the newspaper attracted some of the finest talents in Nigerian journalism.
My own journey there began when I visited the newspaper’s website shortly after leaving a technology media company. To my surprise, the site was still built in basic HTML while many other mainstream newspapers had already moved to CMS platforms.
Being someone who as far back as then could build newspaper websites running on CMSes in record time while blindfolded, I saw an opportunity. So I wrote a proposal to rebuild the site as a contractor.
However, instead of accepting the proposal, the management invited me for a meeting and offered me a job. I accepted.
That decision began a turbulent chapter in my life at Nigerian Compass. In fact, I became the first person to be sacked there. But providence intervened through Gabriel.
At the time of the incident, Gabriel was in the United States covering the historic election that brought Barack Obama to power. When the Director who employed me asked me to resign or be sacked — apparently because I had outshone some members of the IT department who enjoyed “star status”, I opted to be sacked.
When I collected my letter, I returned to the newsroom and started packing my things.
Realising what had happened and fearing a return to the tyranny of the boys in the IT department – who decided what stories to post on the website, at what time and only about four stories per day — someone in the newsroom reached out to Gabriel in the U.S. and explained what had happened.
Gabriel immediately intervened and called Otunba Daniel.
But it wasn’t until he returned to Nigeria that the issue was resolved.
Gabriel took me to see Otunba Daniel, who directed that I be reinstated. That singular act signaled the beginning of my friendship with Gabriel that has endured the tests of time.
Many chapters followed at Nigerian Compass, such that it developed a K-leg. Eventually, Gabriel and I resigned and became business partners, launching the online newspaper Freedom Online together. I still remember when in 2013, Tony Onyima, then MD and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspaper, saw us at the ANEC conference of the Nigeria Guild of Editors in Asaba (that was the year I was inducted) and jokingly called us “freedom fighters.”
Later, Gabriel and I were also instrumental in the establishment of New Telegraph by former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2011.
Over the years, my friendship with Gabriel has grown deeper and stronger. He is one of the very few people in my special “kajola” category — friends who sincerely believe in mutual success and shared progress.
Within the circle of Nigerian editors, Gabriel is widely respected and genuinely loved. Many fondly call him “Angel Gabriel.” The nickname fits. He is generous in spirit, fair in dealings, and always mindful that whatever benefits come in the course of our professional duties are shared with those who deserve them.
He is trustworthy, dependable, politically savvy, and remarkably wise when it comes to matters of power and politics.
Beyond journalism, Gabriel is also a spiritual leader — the General Overseer of a Cherubim and Seraphim Church founded by his grandfather — a role he carries with humility and dedication.
As you celebrate another year today, my brother, I pray that God grants you longer life, greater wisdom, stronger influence, and deeper fulfilment in all that you do.
Happy Birthday, ‘Angel’ Gabriel.
May your light continue to shine.
Biodun Durojaiye is the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of Lagos Times online newspaper
