Kehinde Bamigbetan: Celebrating a community media entrepreneur at 60, by Qasim Akinreti
Today, I rejoice with Kehinde Bamigbetan at 60 and commune with Oodua Afeniwero, the progenitor of the Yoruba race and founder of Ile-Ife Oodaye, nibi ojumo ti mowa (where the sun rises). Babare Agbe o, Awe ni. Congratulations!
Kehinde Bamigbetan started out as an activist and union leader at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. His comrades in activism include Lanre Arogundade, Bolaji Adebiyi, Tony Iyare, Ayo Aluko, and Iyobosa—colleagues in the Nigerian Guild of Editors. They were also formidable members of the New Trend Movement of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Ladi Lawal of blessed memory.
He was a crack reporter, features writer, and sub-editor, first working with Broad Street Ventures in 1988, reporting and analyzing politics, labor, and the arts. He moved to Vanguard newspapers in 1991, where he joined the NUJ as a member of the Vanguard chapel of Lagos NUJ, rising to the positions of vice chairman and later chairman. By 1992, he had become the deputy news editor.
Within journalism circles, he struck a chord with notable figures such as Ray Ekpu, Dele Giwa, Doyin Abiola, Dele Alake, Tunji Bello, Ogbeni, Funke Fadugba, and other esteemed colleagues in the media industry.
Popularly called Korky by friends and admirers, I met him in 1994 as a member of the NUJ Voice of Nigeria chapel. Our shared Ife local dialect brought us closer. He supported my aspirations to become chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council 18 years later. Kenny worked closely with allies such as Wahab Oba, Mohammed Garba, Lanre Arogundade, Bolaji Adebiyi, Ayo Aluko, Prince Adeyinka Amosun, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Eze Ababa, and Uncle Gbenga Adefaye, among others.
Ever caring for the common good
During a courtesy visit to Bamigbetan’s office when he was Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, I approached him with a request to build a befitting NUJ secretariat. A ₦65 million proposal, along with a prototype of a three-story terrace on 9A Iyalla Street, Ikeja, was submitted. He assured me that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode would approve it.
To my surprise, ₦25 million was approved as a takeoff grant. Today, the Ladi Lawal Press Centre NUJ House stands tall. The building was remodeled and 80% completed by 2020. The Leye Ajayi administration later completed it—a lasting legacy for Nigerian journalists in the Lagos State Council.
Emboldened by his unique journalism skills, Bamigbetan established a community newspaper, Echonews Newspapers Limited, in 2018 to serve the people of Ejigbo, Isolo, and Oshodi areas of Lagos State.
Bamigbetan gave a voice to the voiceless in these communities, mobilizing residents for development initiatives and public enlightenment.
In 2007, he brought over 21 craftsmen and tradesmen into the Professional and Marketers Association, a platform that engaged the local government to negotiate reduced shop rates and extend social welfare programs to members.
The beauty of his community newspaper is its multimedia presence.
Kehinde Bamigbetan hails from a family in Ile-Ife deeply rooted in community service. His elder brother, Uncle Baju, was a senator and former Nigerian high commissioner.
He has also served as a local government chairman, special adviser on community relations, and is currently a special assistant to Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake.
Best wishes always, my brother—foremost journalist, activist, politician, consultant, and entrepreneur. A distinguished and proud son of Ile-Ife. May your days be long.
Qasim Akinreti, PhD
Deputy Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria.
Former Chairman, NUJ Lagos State Council (2017–2020)
