Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Africa Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, has celebrated veteran journalist and former Newswatch editor, Ray Ekpu, on his 78th birthday, describing him as a journalist whose courage, wit and commitment to professional journalism have left an enduring mark on the Nigerian media industry.
Ogundipe, in a tribute titled “Ray Ekpu at 78: The Man Behind the Broadside,” reflected on Ekpu’s decades-long career and his contributions to investigative journalism, public accountability and press freedom in Nigeria.
He recalled the controversy surrounding the NITEL fire in Lagos in 1983, noting that Ekpu’s writings had previously drawn attention to a troubling pattern of fires in public institutions and raised questions about whether some incidents were connected to attempts to conceal wrongdoing.
According to Ogundipe, when the NITEL building was engulfed by fire, attention was turned towards Ekpu, who faced the extraordinary accusation that his writings could have contributed to arson and murder.
Ogundipe described the episode as one of the unforgettable chapters of Ekpu’s journalism career, noting that it represented one of the unusual encounters between journalistic foresight and unfolding events.
He also highlighted Ekpu’s role in the establishment of Newswatch magazine alongside Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed.
He said the publication grew into more than just a magazine, helping to establish a tradition of investigative reporting, lively analysis and fearless commentary that gave Nigerian journalism renewed confidence.
“The price was heavy,” Ogundipe noted, recalling the assassination of Dele Giwa, harassment of the editorial team, detention and the eventual proscription of the magazine.
He, however, stressed that Ekpu’s legacy should not be defined solely by the battles he fought throughout his career.
Ogundipe described Ekpu as a gifted writer and wordsmith whose columns were characterised by strong arguments, sharp observations and distinctive use of language.
He said Ekpu’s ability to deliver a powerful argument with carefully chosen words earned him a reputation for “the broadside” while maintaining the discipline required of a professional journalist.
According to him, Ekpu understood that journalism goes beyond beautiful writing, as it also requires informed judgment, accuracy, proportion and the courage to stand by a considered position.
Ogundipe said Ekpu’s influence has extended beyond the pages he edited and columns he wrote, noting that subsequent generations of journalists inherited a profession whose boundaries had already been pushed by his generation.
He described Ekpu as part of a generation of journalists who understood that press freedom and professional independence were often most important to defend when doing so was inconvenient.
While acknowledging that Ekpu has his disagreements, sharp edges and strong opinions, Ogundipe said those qualities were part of what made the veteran journalist’s contribution significant.
He noted that throughout the controversies and debates surrounding his career, Ekpu remained committed to justice, accountable government, professional journalism and the belief that Nigeria deserves better governance.
Ogundipe said Ekpu’s contribution to journalism could not be measured only by awards or titles, but by the intellect, courage, humour and personal sacrifices he brought to the profession.
“At 78, may you enjoy the luxury that journalism rarely gives its practitioners: the opportunity to look back without regret, to laugh at some of the battles, to remember those who travelled with you, and to take satisfaction in knowing that your contribution mattered,” he said.
Ogundipe congratulated Ekpu on his 78th birthday and urged him to retain the wit, humour and courage that have characterised his career.
“Keep the wit. Keep the mischief. Keep the broadside when the occasion demands it. Most of all, keep the Ray that generations of journalists have come to respect,” he added.
