How newspapers and magazines changed the course of my life || by Mathew Olojede
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By Mathew Olojede
I started buying newspapers and magazines since 1974. Initially, it was occasionally because there was no money to buy them regularly. I did not allow that initial disadvantage to deter me. I always visited newsstands to update myself on world affairs and read the writings of great journalists. When I started working, it became an addiction. I still buy newspapers up till today despite the powerful effects of social media on me.
I was a science student in secondary school but l later fell in love with reading. I then decided to go to higher institution to read English Language. This could not be achieved without credit passes in at least five art subjects O’ level papers. This forced me to sit for WAEC GCE O’LEVEL papers. I studied art subjects for one year under the guidance of great tutors. I was able to get a credit pass in literature and I came out in flying colours in English Language paper. I had a distinction in it and some other subjects that I sat for. My friends like Woye Akintaro, Tunde Oladeji Sogunro visited me to congratulate me on my good result.
That changed the course of my life. I thank the teachers that guided me through arts subjects like P. E. U Enahoro, Emiola, Babalola and others whose names I cannot remember easily again.
It was in the newspapers that I came across writers like Peter Enahoro, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Lade Bonuola, Labanji Bolaji, Stanley Macebuh, Ray Ekpu, Solana Olumhense and many others. They all influenced my career path in life. I must not forget to add that many novels published by Macmillan on PACESETTER SERIES also played a significant role in my decision to read English Language.
( Excerpts from my yet – to – be published autobiography)
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