By Lanre Alfred
For the middling human, birthdays are a kind of countdown to the end, the ticking clock of a dwindling life. But for Olakunle Bakare, I am moved to address it as yet another milestone on an infinite timeline.
With mirth and laughter, Bakare has ascended his sixth glorious decade. Like a master weaver threading his loom with golden strands, Bakare, affectionately known as KB, has intricately woven his brilliance into the fabric of Nigerian journalism.
His contributions resonate enthrallingly through decades and phases of Nigerian media history, each thread a testament to his unwavering commitment and unparalleled craftsmanship. …CONTINUE READING
As he celebrates his 60th birthday, it is only fitting that I pay tribute to a man whose brilliance and dedication have illuminated the field of celebrity journalism for decades.
Indeed, KB’s pen is mightier than the sword, and with it, he has carved a niche as the finest writer of his generation. His words, like a river of gold, flow with a depth and clarity that captivate the soul.
Each article he crafts is a masterpiece, a symphony of eloquence and insight that resonates with readers far and wide. His ability to capture the essence of a story, to delve into the heart of his subjects, and to reveal truths hidden beneath the surface, is a gift that has elevated the standards of journalism.
As a journalist entrepreneur, KB has built more than just a magazine; he has created a legacy. Encomium Magazine, under his stewardship, became a sanctuary for aspiring journalists, a place where raw talent was nurtured and transformed into brilliance. Like a gardener tending to his cherished blooms, KB cultivated a culture of excellence, instilling in his team the values of integrity, diligence, and creativity. His vision turned Encomium into a beacon of celebrity journalism, a university where the craft was taught with passion and precision.
Leadership, in its truest form, is about inspiration, and KB epitomises this principle. He leads not from a pedestal, but from within the ranks, his presence a steady flame guiding those around him. His approach to leadership is imbued with a rare blend of humility and authority, a combination that commands respect and fosters loyalty. His ability to connect with his team on a personal level, to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to guide them towards their full potential, is a testament to his extraordinary emotional intelligence.
Thus I celebrate KB at 60. I honour a man whose life’s work is a mosaic of triumphs and inspirations; a man who didn’t merely superintend the evolution of celebrity journalism but has been its architect, shaping its contours with masterful flourish.
The Dawn of Encomium
My first encounter with Kunle Bakare was through one of his finely penned articles in his celebrity journalism flagship, Encomium Magazine. The media landscape was vastly different back then. There was no social media to instantly disseminate news, nor were there DSTV channels like Trace Africa, MTV Base, or Soundcity to curate our musical and celebrity zeitgeist. Even though I worked with a rival medium, City People, Encomium stood as a beacon, a vibrant lighthouse guiding the curious minds eager to delve into the lives of the rich and famous.
Reading KB was both enlightening and heartwarming. Through his elevated prose, I learned the art of storytelling, the power of a well-crafted narrative, and the nuances of capturing the essence of a story. KB was not just an editor; he was a prolific writer whose words flowed with grace and precision, and it was from reading him that I honed my own writing prowess.
A Maestro of Human Relations
Several colleagues – particularly those who worked with him – attested to his finesse and managerial depth. In the newsroom, KB was a master of human relations, exuding a wisdom that was both profound and practical. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to understand their motivations and aspirations. His emotional intelligence was unparalleled, and he navigated the complex dynamics of the newsroom with a deft touch that left an indelible mark on all who worked with him.
KB’s leadership was hands-on and immersive. He worked from the newsroom, spending quality time with reporters, attending most meetings, organizing workshops, and sharing his day-to-day itinerary with his staff. This immersive approach fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and learning, making the Encomium newsroom feel like a vibrant university where journalism talents were honed and prepared for a lifetime of trailblazing society journalism and media entrepreneurship.
At the University of Encomium
Reading KB was akin to learning under the tutelage of a practiced veteran journalist in a journalism amphitheater. His finely crafted pieces in the Encomium magazine were world class and a visit to his newsroom was like a pilgrimage of sorts. His newsroom was like a class where journalists were grilled and tutored on the intricacies of compelling and pace-setting celebrity journalism. KB, with his professorial flair, was the teacher in all these sessions, imparting knowledge with a blend of rigour and warmth.
Under his guidance, some of journalism’s finest learned a great deal about reporting and the writing craft. He trained most of the celebrity journalists in contemporary Nigeria, and his influence can be seen in the success of many who passed through the Encomium newsroom.
His Journey of Self-Improvement
Since I first met KB, he has always strived to be a better version of himself. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to refine his skills, broaden his horizons, and contribute even more to the field of journalism. There are very few men who have contributed as much to celebrity journalism in Africa as KB. His impact on celebrity journalism is immeasurable. Even from a distance, he inspired me alongside so many others, to hone my writing and reporting prowess. He was one of the very few but appreciable influences that inspired me through rewarding spells with other platforms like This Day Newspaper and my own title, The Capital.ng.
A Pioneer Worth Celebrating
KB should be celebrated by every journalist worth his salt. He is one of the pioneers of modern society and celebrity journalism, a field that has grown and evolved thanks to his vision and dedication. At 60, KB remains a paragon of excellence, never missing an opportunity to advance top-notch society and celebrity journalism brimming with flair, brilliance, native intelligence, and superior reporting.
A Lesson in Marital Fidelity and Respect
There is no gainsaying that KB imparted lessons that transcended the professional realm and delved into the personal. Unlike many of his peers whose personal lives were a mess, he painstakingly built a life worthy of emulation. In his steps, I learned the immeasurable value of marital fidelity, respect, and honor for one’s spouse. Observing his marriage, which has now clocked 30 years, I realized the profound impact he had on my approach to wedlock and the sanctity of loving one’s better half. From him, I learned that you do not have to mess up your marriage simply because you are a celebrity journalist.
KB’s relationship with his wife was a masterclass in devotion and partnership. He taught us that true success is not only measured by professional achievements but also by the strength and harmony of one’s home. His unwavering commitment to his wife was a testament to the ideals of loyalty and respect. It was from him that I learned the importance of nurturing love, honoring one’s spouse, and building a marriage that stands the test of time. His life was a symphony of love and respect, each note resonating with the virtues of fidelity and honor.
A Paragon of Elegance
Beyond his journalistic prowess, KB flaunts a sophisticated dress sense. Suave and unostentatious, he persistently schooled his editorial staff on the intricacies and benefits of dressing sharp, clean, and honorably. To KB, the way one dressed was a reflection of one’s respect for oneself and profession.
With a wardrobe that spoke volumes of his refined taste, KB embodied the essence of sophistication. He was a firm believer in authenticity and would always advise against developing a taste for or patronising counterfeit or fake fashion ensembles. His philosophy was simple: quality over quantity, elegance over extravagance.
In his impeccably tailored suits and polished demeanor, KB was the epitome of elegance. He taught us that dressing well was not about flaunting wealth but about exuding confidence, professionalism, and respect. His lessons on dressing were not mere fashion tips but life lessons that instilled a sense of pride and self-respect in all of us.
The Legacy of KB
Bakare’s legacy is not just in the stories he has told, but in the countless journalists he has mentored and inspired. He has created a lasting impact on the field, shaping the way we perceive and report on the lives of celebrities and societal figures. His work has been a testament to the power of journalism to inform, entertain, and inspire.
As KB turns 60, we celebrate not just a milestone but a lifetime of achievement. His contributions to journalism are unparalleled, and his influence continues to resonate through the generations of journalists he has mentored. KB is more than a journalist; he is a beacon of excellence, a symbol of dedication, and a true luminary of Nigerian journalism.
In the words of William Shakespeare, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Kunle Bakare embodies all three. His greatness is a blend of innate talent, relentless hard work, and the indomitable spirit that defines true pioneers.
At 60, KB has not lost steam. His passion for journalism burns as brightly as ever, and his commitment to excellence remains unwavering. He continues to inspire, to lead, and to set the standard for society and celebrity journalism. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor not just the man, but the legacy he has built—a legacy of excellence, dedication, and profound impact on the field of journalism.
Happy 60th birthday, KB. Here’s to many more years of brilliance, storytelling, and inspiration.
