Colleagues, friends, and advocates for gender equality alike have described the late Rotimi Sankore, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Development Journalism (ACDJ), as a remarkable figure—an enigma, a tireless champion for women and girls’ rights, and an impactful data journalist who left an enduring legacy. These thoughts were shared during the special edition of the Journalism & Society Conversations hosted by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on Tuesday, 23 April. The event, which was moderated by Sarah Ayeku, Broadcast Journalist, TVCNews served as a tribute to commemorate the life and contributions of this esteemed journalist, educator, and advocate, who sadly passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Director, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Lagos, highlighted Sankore’s unparalleled influence in mentoring journalists, pioneering data journalism, and championing gender equality in the media. Having collaborated closely on numerous initiatives, including the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity, and Accountability (CMEDIA) project, Ogwezzy-Ndisika emphasised Sankore’s unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence and his fervent support for the empowerment of women and girls.
While reminiscing on his initial encounter with the deceased as a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (Lagos state chapter), Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, recalled how Sankore left an indelible mark on him as an advocate for journalist rights. Otufodunrin reiterated Sankore’s penchant for using data to illuminate social and national issues, underscoring his lasting impact. He urged colleagues to convene and explore avenues for immortalising his legacy.
Describing Sankore as a brother, comrade, and reliable colleague, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Council (IPC), reflected on Sankore’s monumental contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. He lauded his activism during pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history, especially after the annulment of the 12 June 1993 election. He pointed out the symbolic irony of Sankore’s advocacy for a 15% increase in healthcare funding, suggesting that greater attention to this cause could have advanced cancer research. Arogundade proposed that the media must mainstream health reporting to commemorate his memories.
Esther Omopariola, a reporter with TVCNews, stressed that Sankore transcended traditional journalism, portraying him as a catalyst for change. She highlighted his belief in journalism as a tool for social justice and driving societal transformation. Likewise, Sankore was lauded for his commitment to issues by Adeolu Adekola, Project Manager, Open Climate Reporting Initiative at the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ). Adekola praised Sankore’s ability to inspire others through his actions, noting his boundless creativity and wealth of story ideas as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Deji Dosunmu, Programme Officer, ACDJ, reflected on his time with Sankore during his courageous battle with cancer. Juggling work responsibilities and caregiving duties, Dosunmu recalled the challenging yet meaningful experiences they shared. He described it as fulfilling and draining, culminating in Sankore’s passing on Friday, 12 April 2024.
Recalling his days of student union activism in the 1980s, Chido Onumah, Coordinator, African Centre for Media & Information Literacy, recalled meeting Sankore. To Onumah, Sankore was more than just a friend; he embodied a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast commitment to nurturing others. Describing Sankore as a true patriot, Onumah emphasised his dedication to tackling pressing issues. Veteran broadcaster Bimbo Oloyede sounded a cautionary note on Nigeria’s healthcare system following Sankore’s demise. Oloyede, who recently launched a cancer foundation, reflected on Sankore’s unassuming nature despite his profound intellect.
Also, Olufunke Baruwa hailed Sankore as a relentless advocate who tenaciously pursued causes close to his heart. The former programme officer for gender, racial and ethnic justice at Ford Foundation, West Africa Office, underscored the importance of documenting Sankore’s achievements for future generations.
Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ, highlighted Sankore’s deep understanding of data’s real-world implications. Having engaged Sankore on various WSCIJ projects- Regulators Monitoring Programme (REMOP), Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme, Wole Soyinka Media Lecture series and the CMEDIA project, she described him as a man who had much to offer.
A longtime friend of the deceased, Kole Shettima, Director, MacArthur Foundation, Abuja, described Sankore as a man who maintained an unwavering optimism about life. He said their shared commitment to student activism and Pan-Africanism forged a lasting bond.
Other contributors, Sheriff Quadry, a radio host at Nigeria Info FM; Wemimo Adewuni, Media and Communications Manager, Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre and Femi Amele, Programme Director, Dataphyte whom he worked with and mentored during his time at Nigeria Info hailed him as a teacher, a revolutionary, and an advocate for girls’ education and good governance. They lamented his passing as the loss of an irreplaceable figure, leaving behind a void that would be challenging to fill.
The Journalism & Society Conversations by WSCIJ brings stakeholders together to delve into the pressing issues of press freedom challenges, regulatory frameworks, and the pivotal role of investigative journalism in holding the government accountable and contributing to nation-building.
