The death of foremost Nigerian journalist, author, businessman and publisher, Peter Enahoro, on April 24, brought to an end a glorious career characterised by incisive writings, and service to his fatherland and humanity. Enahoro was an accomplished journalist and media manager. The history of Nigerian journalism will not be complete without giving Enahoro a prominent space. He was an inspiration, a mentor and a role model to many in the industry. His passage is a great loss to the media profession.
Aged 88, the renowned media guru died in London after a brief illness. Peter Osajele Aizegbeobor Enahoro was born on January 21, 1935 to the Enahoro family in Uromi, Edo State. He had his early education at St. Stephen’s Elementary School, Akure, Ondo State; CMS Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, Ondo State; Government School, Ekpoma, Edo State; St. David’s School, Akure; Government School, Warri (Delta State) and Government College, Ughelli (Delta State) in 1948.
Enahoro started his journalism career as an Assistant Publicity Officer, Federal Ministry of Information, 1954. He joined The Daily Times as a sub-editor in 1955, at the age of 20, before serving as Assistant District Manager at Rediffusion Services, Ibadan, in 1957. He became the Editor of The Sunday Times in 1958 at the age of 23, and Features Editor of The Daily Times in 1958, then the paper’s Editor in 1962, and later became The Daily Times Group Editorial Adviser in 1965, and in 1966 Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Times.
In the 1960s, Enahoro went into a self-imposed exile that would last for 13 years. He was Contributing Editor of Radio Deutsche Welle in Cologne, Germany, from 1966 to 1976, and was Africa Editor of National Zeitung, in Basel, Switzerland, and became the Editorial Director of New African magazine in London in 1978.
In 1981, he launched a pan-African news magazine called Africa Now. He became Sole Administrator of Daily Times Nigeria Plc in 1996. His ‘Peter Pan’ Column, which he started writing in 1959 commanded the attention of the political elite of the time because of his fiery tones. Offerings on the column, rattled members of the political class who, while dreading him, respected him for standing up in the fight for the masses.
It was on account of his trail-blazing efforts that Frank Barton in his book ‘The Press of Africa’, described Enahoro as ‘arguably Africa’s best journalist writing in the English language.’ In further recognition of his fearless journalism, the New African Magazine which he edited in its early years, described him as a ‘living legend in pan-African journalism,’ in its May 2, 2023 edition. Apart from his regular newspaper column, Enahoro also had published books to his credit. His book, ‘How to be a Nigerian’ was widely read in Africa and beyond. He also wrote a voluminous autobiography, ‘Then Spoke the Thunder,’ on retirement in London. President Muhammadu Buhari, president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, among other Nigerians, have paid befitting tributes to the fallen journalist, extolling his carriage and candour in discharging his duties.
The President urged those who mourn the demise of the compatriot to reflect on his contributions to the country and build on the many honours credited to him for journalistic excellence. He described Enahoro as a gifted and iconic journalist, author and publisher, who earned the public trust by his fearless writings, tenacity, and commitment to the pursuit of truth. He further lauded him for deploying his talents in mentoring others in the industry.
Tinubu described the late journalist as a patriot who dedicated his entire career seeking for a better Nigeria where every citizen can find joy and fulfilment. ‘An author, businessman, and publisher, Mr. Enahoro will be remembered and forever cherished for his unwavering belief in the greatness of Nigeria and for using the instrumentality of media practice to promote good governance, the rule of law, and social justice in our country,’ Tinubu stated.
Obi recalled that Enahoro spent his talent and resources fighting for a better Nigeria even at great personal discomfort. ‘In Journalism, late Enahoro was first class; in the struggles for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule, his contributions were well documented; in the fight to give Nigeria good leadership, his efforts were monumental,’ the LP flag bearer noted. He added that Enahoro was not only a great advocate and crusader for good and competent leadership but was one of the greatest defenders of true democracy in Nigeria.
Enahoro was a quintessential journalist, wordsmith and one of the best the media profession has produced in Nigeria. The federal government should immortalise him considering his numerous contributions to the media, culture and knowledge industry. We commiserate with his family, fans and the media industry over the great loss.