pannigeriannews 
By Sunday Adepoju
As I celebrate Alagba Sayo Alagbe today, I celebrate not just an accomplished journalist, writer, editor, media administrator, consultant, biographer, poet and political professional, but a man whose simple words of encouragement are significantly noted in my professional life.
Sayo Alagbe is the man who encouraged me to join the Nigerian Tribune, I mean at the global scene.
He is the Publisher of Scoopchase, an online news medium, and a former staff member of the now-defunct African Concord during the glorious years of Nigerian journalism.
He is also one of the very few people I know who genuinely love Ogbomoso and demonstrate that love through their writings, engagements and total commitment to the progress of the town and its people.
My own story with Alagbe is particularly personal. I had earlier worked with a community newspaper organisation under Mr. Femi Ogunlana, Publisher of Ogbomoso Insight, now a popular online news platform. That experience gave me the foundation for journalism after I finished from Federal Polytechnic Offa’s Department of mass Communication.
Then came Alagbe’s encouragement.
At the time, however, I had little interest in joining a mainstream newspaper organisation. I was already 37 years old, had established relationships with notable politicians and did not consider starting again as a senior reporter in a major newspaper organisation particularly attractive.
One day, while we were together around the Takie area of Ogbomoso, Sayo Alagbe had a copy of a newspaper on his lap as usual. I noticed a vacancy advertisement for journalists and said: “Alagba, a newspaper wants to recruit.” Without hesitation, he replied: “Sunday, you can apply for this. You will be considered because you are qualified. You hold University of Ibadan’s B.A. and M.A. degrees in Communication and Language Arts. And that you write well.” Those words were important.He encouraged me to apply even though I was initially reluctant.
Right there, I called a former classmate who was working with the newspaper in Ibadan, and he confirmed that the organisation was recruiting.
Alagbe did not stop at merely suggesting that I apply. He remained uncomfortable with my lack of enthusiasm and continued to encourage me.
Eventually, I applied. The recruitment process was highly competitive. Candidates were required to sit a writing test and score above 70 per cent before proceeding to an oral interview at the Board Room of the oldest surviving privatetly owned newspaper on the Continent of Africa. The positions attracted many graduates of communication, mass communication and other disciplines.
I passed the writing test. Unfortunately, I was not initially invited for the oral interview because of the age benchmark. I was already 37.
I remember that the newspaper’s NUJ Chapel subsequently engaged the management, appealing that the age benchmark should be de-emphasised and that qualified applicants should be considered on merit.
Looking back today, I can say without hesitation that my journey into professional and global journalism began with that newspaper copy held on Alagba Sayo Alagbe’s lap that day.
It was his encouragement that made me apply when I had no serious intention of doing so. The opportunity eventually took me into professional journalism, building on the foundation laid by Femi Ogunlana and Ogbomoso Insight.
I later resigned from the newspaper organisation to join the Department of Mass Communication and Digital Media, University of Calabar, as an Assistant Lecturer.
Interestingly, I deliberately did not tell Sayo Alagbe and Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite before resigning because I knew they would probably advise me against leaving!
Today, I look back with gratitude. Sometimes, the people who change our lives do not necessarily do so through money or positions. Sometimes, they simply say the right words at the right time.
For me, those words came from Sayo Alagbe: “Sunday, you can apply.” That simple encouragement opened a door into a significant chapter of my professional life.
Dear Alagba Sayo Alagbe, thank you for encouraging me to join the Nigerian Tribune, though a brief journey before I started Pan-Nigerian News (pannigeriannews.com).
Thank you for believing in my ability to write dexterously.
Thank you for pushing me when I was reluctant to take the step.
Thank you for your friendship and your contribution to journalism and development of Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
And thank you for being one of those rare Ogbomoso sons who genuinely love the town and consistently demonstrate that love through your words, work and actions.
On your birthday, I celebrate you and pray that God grants you many more years in good health, wisdom, fulfilment and greater accomplishments.
May your pen remain powerful, your voice remain relevant, and your passion for journalism and Ogbomoso continue to inspire generations.
Happy Birthday, Alagba Sayo Alagbe.
You encouraged me to join the Nigerian Tribune. I will always remember that.
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