Every Storyteller Has a Story: This Week, We Chronicle Lekan Otufodunrin’s Inspiring Journey

 

Every profession has its pathfinders, men and women whose footprints in the sands of time show others the way.

In journalism, a field built on courage, curiosity, and commitment to the truth, veterans are not just professionals, they are living legacies.

Welcome to the maiden edition of “Knowing the Veterans”, a weekly series I’m incredibly passionate about.

Each weekend, we’ll profile one veteran journalist, both living and late, whose work, journey, and wisdom continue to inspire the media industry. This is not just a tribute, it’s an archive, a mentorship resource, and a window into the souls of those who have held the line for journalism in Nigeria and beyond.

Why did I start this? Because stories matter and the stories of our veterans need to be told, not only in passing comments at media gatherings but in documented, inspiring detail.

I want young and aspiring journalists to learn from those who came before their struggles, innovations, sacrifices, and triumphs.

And so, our journey begins with a man whose name echoes mentorship, professionalism, and purpose-driven journalism, Drum Roll!!!!  Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin.

The Man Who Chose Purpose over Headlines

To many, journalism is a career. To Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, it’s a calling and for over 35 years, he has answered that call with remarkable consistency and a heart for people.

A graduate of the prestigious University of Lagos where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mass Communication, Mr. Otufodunrin is not your everyday newsroom veteran.

He is a mentor, coach, and the Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Nigeria’s foremost media mentoring and coaching organization.

Many journalists may know him from his days at The Punch Newspapers, where he served in critical roles including Group News Editor, City Editor, and Group Political Editor.

Others may remember him from his time at The Nation Newspapers, where he rose to become Managing Editor for Online and Special Publications, and even Sunday Editor.

But what makes Mr. Otufodunrin truly special is not just the roles he has occupied, but the lives he has touched.

He is the Managing Editor of mediacareerng.org, a digital hub that has become a beacon for aspiring journalists across Africa.

Beyond the Newsroom: Building People, Not Just Pages

Ask some media mentee in Nigeria who helped them find their footing in journalism, and chances are, you’ll hear his name.

Through Media Career Development Network, Mr. Otufodunrin has provided mentorship, coaching, and career development opportunities that have lifted many from the status of “reporters” to “editors.”

A passionate media trainer and counsellor, he has facilitated workshops, boot camps, and clinics across Nigeria and Africa.

His goal has always been singular, to help journalists maximize their potential and uphold the ethics of the profession with excellence.

His books, Purpose Driven Journalism, Excelling in Journalism, Reporter Extraordinaire, Journalism of My Life, and The Journalist You Ought to Be, are not just literary works; they are practical toolkits for every serious journalist.

Lighting the Way for the Future

Now, even after decades in the field, Mr. Otufodunrin is still creating impact. His most recent initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, is a testament to his forward-thinking vision.

The Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic is a year-long training program designed for early-career journalists.

It aims to empower emerging reporters with the tools they need for fact-based, ethical, and impactful journalism.

The initiative will not only teach data-driven investigative reporting and introduce open-source digital tools, but will also provide mentorship, expert connections, and hands-on workshops in areas such as financial journalism, public health, local governance, and transparency.

In the words of Mr. Otufodunrin, “Participants will gain advanced reporting skills that enhance their ability to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable.”

Approximately 150 young journalists are expected to benefit from this program. That’s 150 potential change agents in Nigeria’s media landscape, thanks to one man who never stopped investing in others.

A Legacy Still in the Making

With fellowships from the Thomson Foundation, Poynter Institute, and the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative, among others, Mr. Otufodunrin stands tall among global media changemakers.

His accolades span polytechnics, universities, and media organizations, not for fame, but for his undeniable influence.

He is not just a journalist. He is a builder of people, a quiet revolutionary who reminds us that journalism is not just about what we publish, but what we preserve.

As we begin this journey of knowing the Veterans, may Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin’s story remind us that the power of journalism is not only in reporting the news but in nurturing the next reporter?

That greatness in this field is not only measured in bylines and cover stories, but by how many others we lift.

See you next week as we spotlight another media icon. But until then, let this be your takeaway: be good, do better, and never stop learning.