Yakubu Mohammed redefined journalism with dignity, discipline – Tola Adeniyi

Veteran journalist and columnist, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, has described the late media icon, Yakubu Mohammed, as a professional who “rebranded journalism in his own image” through discipline, humility and intellectual depth.

Adeniyi, former Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria, made the remarks in Lagos on Thursday, while delivering brief opening comments as chairman of a memorial lecture held in honour of Mohammed.

He said Mohammed’s journey into journalism was driven by deliberate preparation and passion, noting that he “walked into the profession, worked his way into it and mastered it through dedication and hard work.”

According to him, Mohammed distinguished himself in a profession often associated with flamboyance and aggressiveness, yet carved a niche defined by calmness, dignity and quiet excellence.

“Journalism is bold, loud and intrusive, but Yakubu Mohammed was none of these things in character. Yet he became one of its finest practitioners in content and courage,” Adeniyi said.

He recalled Mohammed’s career trajectory through key media organisations, including Kaduna Radio, campus journalism at the University of Lagos, the New Nigerian Newspapers, and later Newswatch magazine, which he co-founded.

Adeniyi noted that despite working at the heart of Nigeria’s media landscape, Mohammed maintained a modest and disciplined personal lifestyle, avoiding publicity-driven behaviour common among media personalities.

“He did not seek attention, but his work commanded it. His silence was as powerful as his voice,” he said.

The veteran columnist also said Mohammed used the influence of journalism not for personal enrichment but to advocate for the less privileged and engage those in authority on behalf of disadvantaged communities.

He added that Mohammed’s life reflected “silent opulence,” marked by simplicity in conduct and elegance in appearance, despite his exposure to powerful figures in society.

Adeniyi highlighted several professional lessons drawn from Mohammed’s career, including discipline, hard work, ethical independence and self-respect.

He stressed Mohammed’s belief that journalists must be knowledgeable, well-presented and committed to excellence, noting that “appearance, competence and integrity determine how society responds to a journalist.”

He further recalled Mohammed’s insistence that journalists must not be subservient to those in authority, but should maintain professional independence while upholding high ethical standards.

According to Adeniyi, Mohammed believed that success in journalism comes through excellence rather than the pursuit of fame or wealth.

“Fame and recognition will follow those who excel at their craft,” he said, quoting Mohammed’s philosophy.

Adeniyi concluded that Mohammed’s legacy remains enduring in Nigerian journalism, describing him as a practitioner who elevated the profession through integrity, simplicity and intellectual strength.

“Yakubu Mohammed redefined journalism as a profession of knowledge, dignity and irreproachable integrity,” he said, adding that his contributions would remain permanently etched in the history of Nigerian media.