By Chinasa Nwankwo
Members of staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday staged a surprise birthday celebration for the outgoing Editor-in-Chief (EiC), Mr Muftau Ojo, who turned 60 , on his final day in active service.
NAN reports that what began as a quiet wait in the agency headquarters’ car park in Abuja, ended in music, dancing and an emotional birthday celebration.
Staff members of the agency had gathered secretly with a trumpeter, songs and smiles, waiting to surprise the outgoing EiC.
As his vehicle arrived at the headquarters, the trumpeter struck up a lively tune, while colleagues erupted into congratulatory and birthday songs.
Ojo, visibly surprised, was ushered from his vehicle amid cheers as staffers from other departments joined the gathering after hearing the celebration.
The parking lot soon became a spontaneous dance floor, with colleagues surrounding the retiring EiC and celebrating a man they described as “approachable, humane and impactful’.
The atmosphere captured more than a birthday celebration; it became an emotional farewell to a newsroom leader whose career had touched several generations of journalists.
After the dancing and singing, colleagues escorted Ojo into the newsroom, where another surprise awaited him, a birthday cake prepared by staffers.
He cut the cake amid cheers before colleagues, one after another, took photographs with him, extending personal greetings and prayers for his retirement.
The celebration continued as staff members shared tributes, recalled experiences with Ojo and spoke about the leadership, mentorship and human relationships that characterised his time at NAN.
Speaking after the celebration, Ojo said he was overwhelmed by the reception, describing it as an indication of the appreciation and affection of his colleagues.
“The kind of reception I got was unimaginable. It shows the sense of appreciation of my colleagues,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to those who organised the surprise, saying he was deeply touched by the effort and affection demonstrated by members of staff.
Reflecting on his career at NAN, Ojo identified his appointment as Special Adviser and his emergence as Editor-in-Chief among the memorable moments of his professional journey.
He said he would never regret working with the agency’s staffers, describing his experience with the team as a great moment in his career.
The retiring EIC also identified inadequate funding as one of the major challenges confronting NAN and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said improved funding was necessary to implement initiatives, enhance operations and improve staff members welfare, particularly as the country approaches another general election.
On leadership, Ojo stressed the importance of mentorship, discipline and empathy in managing journalists across different generations.
He said senior journalists should see themselves as mentors and guide younger colleagues rather than merely disciplining them.
“One of my greatest strengths, I believe, is trying to make people see reason, no matter how recalcitrant they are,” he said.
Ojo urged younger journalists to take advantage of the opportunities available at NAN, saying the agency provided an environment where they could develop and flourish.
In their tributes, colleagues described Ojo as a leader whose influence extended beyond his official responsibilities to the people he worked with.
Hajiya Hadiza Aliyu, his successor, described Ojo as ‘kind and humane”, noting that his willingness to listen and relate with staff members earned him their respect.
Chidi Opara, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief described Ojo as a calming presence in the editorial department, saying he was neither discriminatory nor vindictive in his dealings with staff.
She said Ojo did not witch-hunt colleagues or encourage gossip, preferring instead to listen to different sides before reaching decisions.
Dr. Uche Anunne, Head of Science & Tech. Desk, while recounting his professional relationship with Ojo, described him as someone one could never get tired of working with.
“He is somebody you can relate with, and he also stands by the truth at any given time.
“In every situation and every challenge you take to him, he always thinks of solutions to proffer,” he said.
Funmi Adeyemi, a senior Editor and Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NAN Chapel, said Ojo’s retirement would particularly be felt by younger employees who had learnt considerably from his experience and guidance.
She said Ojo’s support for the union had also contributed to a stronger working environment, adding that he consistently encouraged dialogue, unity and the welfare of staff.
Michael Ajayi, one of the newly recruited reporters, described the retiring EIC as “empathetic, understanding and loving”, saying the affection displayed by colleagues reflected the relationships he had built.
Ajayi said Ojo’s mentorship programme for new recruits helped them understand newsroom expectations, develop confidence and settle into the agency’s professional culture.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi