‘Mr. Nigerian Journalism’, Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose (OFR) lived a life marked by feats in journalism. His passion for journalism shone through his hard work and eventual success at The Daily Times Group, his contributions as a Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority and the influence he commanded in the practice of journalism in Nigeria. He presided over Daily Times for about 15 years, building the media outfit into the largest stable of newspapers and magazines in Sub-Saharan Africa at the time.
Born on December 13, 1925 he joined the Daily Times Group as a trainee in 1941 and was appointed Managing Director, in 1962, becoming the first African MD and later Chairman in 1968. He published his autobiography, Walking a Tight Rope in 1987.
Practically all thorough-bred media practitioners and Nigerian journalists today underwent Babatunde Jose’s tutelage. He emphasized education for journalists, setting up a training school to furnish journalists with the right skills for the practice and becoming a mentor for upcoming journalists.
The history of Nigerian journalism would be grossly deficient without a worthy mention and proper recognition of Babatunde Jose. In due recognition of his feats in Journalism, Pa Ajose – the Doyen of Nigeria Journalism was the first recipient of Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting. He died on August 2, 2008 at 82.
