Ismail Babatunde Jose, often hailed as the “legendary doyen of Nigerian journalism,” was not just a man; he was an institution in the world of media in Nigeria. Born in Lagos in 1925, Jose’s journey from a technical trainee to one of the most significant media figures in Nigeria is a story of dedication, integrity, and vision.
Jose’s career began at the Daily Times as a technical trainee in 1941. His writing talent soon propelled him from the technical department to the editorial side, where he worked his way up from reporter to editor. By 1957, at the age of 32, Jose was appointed editor of the Daily Times, which was then West Africa’s most flourishing newspaper. His leadership at the Daily Times under the Mirror Group’s ownership was transformative, leading to a circulation of 200,000 copies daily and 500,000 for its sister paper, The Sunday Times.
What set Jose apart was his vision for journalism in Nigeria. He was not a graduate, yet he was known for his intellectual rigor, encouraging professionalism and intellectualism in the field. Under his guidance, the Daily Times became a beacon of journalistic excellence, eschewing partisan politics for the sake of objective reporting. He established training schools to ensure that journalism in Nigeria was not just a profession but an educated one. His autobiography, “Walking a Tightrope,” offers insights into his life and the challenges he faced in managing the newspaper during Nigeria’s tumultuous political landscape.
Jose’s influence extended beyond his direct contributions to the Daily Times. He mentored a generation of journalists who would go on to become leaders in their own right. Segun Osoba, who later became Governor of Ogun State, was among those who praised Jose’s mentorship, noting his encouragement of intellectualism in journalism and his role in nurturing many successful journalists who further enriched Nigeria’s media landscape.
His era at the Daily Times was marked by significant achievements but also by challenges, notably when military government interventions led to his departure in 1976 after the forced sale of the newspaper’s shares to the government. However, his legacy was not diminished by this; instead, it highlighted his commitment to freedom of the press and journalistic integrity.
Beyond journalism, Jose was a community leader, a religious figure, and an advisor to multiple Nigerian governments on various issues, including the management of Hajj operations. His life was a testament to service, drawing from his faith and his belief in the power of the press to educate, inform, and hold power to account.
Even after he died in 2008, Babatunde Jose’s legacy continues to inspire. The Anwar-UI Islam Movement of Nigeria commemorated his contributions with prayers and tributes, underscoring his role not just as a journalist but as a statesman and patriot. His story is one of resilience, vision, and the enduring impact one individual can have on a nation’s narrative.
Babatunde Jose’s life teaches us that journalism is more than reporting news; it’s about shaping a society’s conscience, mentoring future generations, and standing firm in one’s principles. His legacy in Nigeria is a beacon for journalists everywhere, reminding us of the power of the pen when wielded with wisdom, courage, and integrity.
