Award winning journalist Sikiru Obarayese speaks to The Muslim Voice, Nigeria’s Oyebamiji Adesoji Usman about his growing up, education, career and related things.
MV: Tell us a bit about yourself?
Sikiru Obarayese: My name is Sikiru Obarayese, I am a journalist, and I report for DAILY POST Newspaper. I am a Muslim, gentle and easy-going.
MV: What was it like growing up in Osogbo?
Sikiru Obarayese: It is the best feeling; with all the beautiful memories. Osogbo is an amicable town, it is a virgin Land. I grew up in Osogbo and attended part of my primary school and my secondary school in the ancient town. Though it’s ancient the people are civilised with a rich culture, growing up in Osogbo is a very lovely thing.
MV: How do you stay informed on the news and current events?
Sikiru Obarayese: As a Journalist, who has a background in Mass Communication, I know what is needed. Being curious, diligent and hardworking helps a lot. Those qualities are essential for journalists who need to stay informed. As a journalist, you should let people trust you as a credible penpusher, so I stay on top of the news every time.
MV: What are the uncommon tides you face daily as a Journalist?
Sikiru Obarayese: How to get a new scoop for a new news story – story idea – people must be well informed and not misinformed. In finding this, I will put my integrity as a journalist above. All I want is to do more great stories as I have always been doing with or without awards.
MV: What publications do you read in your personal time?
Sikiru Obarayese: I read other people’s work. I read investigative works and features weather politics etc. I read International publications such as Al-Jazeera, CNN and our National dailies such as DAILY POST, Premium Time, The Punch, ICIR and other good works.
MV: How did you feel winning two awards in 2021?
Sikiru Obarayese: It felt so great and rewarding. I did not expect them. For the first award with the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), I was shocked to win the Courage in Journalism award. More so, I was shaking when my name was pronounced as DAILY POST reporter of the year. But it’s a great moment seeing what my 2021 experience turns into rewards. The year was challenging and tough.
MV: As a reporter you were beaten, arrested and charged by the police during the End SARS memorial on October 20, 2021, tell us your experience?
Sikiru Obarayese: It was a terrible experience. From covering the protest to the police cell and later landing in the court, all happened within an hour. All this leads to psychological trauma but thanks God I am here today. It was just like a dream to me seeing myself in a witness box with frivolous charges.
The magistrate struck out the case after asking the prosecutor to mention the part of the constitution that proclaims recording a police officer or station a criminal offence.
MV: Looking back, do you have any regret that you made this career choice or are you happy with it?
Sikiru Obarayese: I never regret being a Journalist, even in the case of threats, have never and ever regretted going into this great profession. I only think about this country. Why is press freedom taken for granted? As the fourth estate of Government which is saddled to contribute greatly and used as a tool for the unbiased dispersion and also addressing important information that may often showcase the dark side of the society, this cannot be done by cagging us. I pray our leaders will, one day, get it right.
MV: From your personal experience, is there a future for journalism in Nigeria?
Sikiru Obarayese: Yes, there is a future for the noble profession. We still have some professionals who practice diligently. The time will come when society and government will treat us right.
MV: What advice will you give to those who aspire to be a brave journalist like you?
Sikiru Obarayese: They should learn, focus and be diligent. Master the fundamentals and be ready to write great stories.
Rejection is plentiful. But don’t give up. The phrases, “We’ll pass” and “Sorry, that doesn’t interest us” will constantly frustrate and boggle anyone trying to establish byline status.
Journalists-in-the-making should begin writing as early as possible. Experience and development are the keys to separating mediocre journalists from those who display a great sense of near-mastery.