In recognition of his efforts as a Zikite and in order to learn more about his campus journalism experience, ZHPO reached out to her former Deputy Editor-in-chief, Akinjide Adebowale. In this exclusive interview, we get in peek into his travails and triumphs as a Uite and his take on various topical issues
What inspired you to join Zikpress?
I had been a member of the NAPS press before joining Zik Press, but I was not doing the rigorous journalism that I wanted.
What really spurred my interest in the Zik press is that I felt Zik Hall is the most politically inclined hall in UI, together with the fact that Zik Hall, year after year, plays a very central role in UI's SU politics. So Zik Hall was a kind of contraption for my goals.
What’s more, as a freshman, I used to read the beautiful articles on the Zik press board.
These two factors, as my memory serves me, are the two hooks to my inclinations to join Zikpress.
What would you say is the biggest lesson you learned in Zikpress?
I learned both the good and the bad.
First of all, Zik Press corroborated my man-management skills. I learned to be calmer when dealing with people because, to be honest, we are a very complex species.
The greatest lesson I learned is to stick to what is right, no matter the pressure. Right from the get-go, I have always had issues with excos in my press duties. You write something fact-laden about someone’s office, and they come for you with their empty retorts.
You know, if I were an exco and a pressman wrote lies against me, I would counter them with facts. I wouldn’t watch someone smear my name. But they don’t [counter with facts]. You know why? It’s because the thing you wrote is very true. And they don’t have facts to counter it.
I’d been insulted for a report we did before. But these people never counteract them; they just tell people you’re lying against them. So, I just learned that it’s something that comes with being a pressman. Sometimes, people who don’t know anything also join them to drag, but I don’t care, really. Like Fisayo Soyombo said, the day he decided to delve into investigative journalism was the day he stopped being scared of death.
Many lessons!
I also learned a great deal that where your treasure is, there your heart is, and it’s where both are that your fortune comes from.
Yunno, I was involved in a lot of extra-academic activities this session, of which the press is a major one. I was also an exco in Zik Lnd and, at the same time, the coach of the philosophy department’s plato academy.
Those reminded me of many other things I wanted to do. I, for instance, would have grown better in my academic writing skills, but there was no time.
But on the flip side, I won big in every place I belonged. I got to speak for Zik, and we won our first jaw war. I coached Plato Academy to the Seals Cup, Uisu Super Cup, and Deans Cup trophies. I also won an award in the press recently, but I would have loved to seal it with the Egbokhare interpress debate win, but...
I had many Ws and few Ls.
It was a great ride.
Who are your mentors or sources of inspiration in journalism or on a wider scale?
Mayowa Tijani inspired me in 2019 when I met him at an event, but Fisayo Soyombo is who I look up to, primarily because of my preference for underground reporting.
What was your highest moment in the Zik press?
I would say when we finished the bootcamp.
What was your lowest moment on Zikpress?
the day we lost the chance to make the Egbokhare interpress debate final.
What is your philosophical ideology?
Despite being a philosophy graduate, I really don’t have a philosophy of life. There’s no one-size-fits-all worldview. Happenstances are contextual.
Bayern or Liverpool?
Neither. I’m a culer.
What are your hobbies?
I love watching football, especially the tactical aspect. I also love discussing politics and reading history.
What's your take on the relationship between campus journalists and authority figures (like student politicians and school management)?
I love the way it is at the moment; there’s no unnecessary familiarity. Familiarity can stifle a lot of things, especially if someone’s ox is mentioned in a report.
I also like the way no one is witch-hunting the other. It’s quite a healthy relationship.
How did you always get yourself to turn up for press duties?
I had to let go of some things or pen them for press duties. In fact, I rid myself of sleep many times to edit articles.
There was a time I had to stab a whole day of class to complete the policy paper we submitted for the egbokhare debate.
I also think the pressure of leadership made me push myself to do some things, especially when they were inconvenient.
Apart from editing articles, I had to reach out to each person to make corrections. It was really a tedious task, but glory to God, who helped us.
Favourite book?
I barely read motivational books. It’s a thing I just want to inculcate.
But from the non-fiction I have read, I love “Einstein's Underpants—and How They Saved the World" by Anthony McGowan and Assassin" by Tom"Cain. I also love Black Boy and Native Son, both by Richard Wright.
Favourite quote?
I haven’t seen one that intrigues me.
Comment on the political climate of the country with the youths being left out?
I do not believe the youths are being left. It's more about the youth choosing to opt out. Besides, there's no logical argument to back the notion that youths must necessarily be at the helm of affairs if there must be a positive change in the sociopolitical situation in Nigeria. Nothing makes you more qualified for a position by reason of your age, except that you are old to the extent of having old-age dementia.
Relationship status
Unmarried.
After UI, what's next? Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I have a thing for agriculture and sports, and in those two, I can't say what the future holds for me with them. but I see myself continuing in journalism, most definitely.
Parting words for everyone, intending Pressmen, Pressmen, Zikites, your fans, friends, and foes?
I don't have words for everyone, but for pressmen, don't let stories chase you; chase stories.
