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Ismail Babatunde Jose
Born in Nigeria
82 years
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Gov. Saraki Saraki rues Jose November 21, 2008
Gov Saraki rues Babatunde Jose's death   


  
Written by xxxxxxxxxx      
  
Tuesday, 05 August 2008   
  
Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki has described the death of Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose as one death too many for the Nigeria's media industry. Dr Saraki in a condolence message to the family of the deceased said the late Jose was the greatest media doyen of our generation. No doubt, the passage of Jose represents the end of a generation of a media guru, whose high professional touch would be missed by all. He was a great disciplinarian, who exhibited exemplary commitment to the development of modern journalism in Nigeria, Saraki said. The governor, however, urged Nigerian journalists to take a cue from the late doyen of journalism so as to further take journalism profession to an enviable height in the country. While also commiserating with the entire family of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr Saraki prayed God to grant the deceased's family the fortitude to bear the loss.  
Uche Usim Tribute to Baba November 21, 2008

Jose: Kalu, Afenifere, AC, others pay tribute

More tributes have continued to trail the demise of the legendary newspaper man, Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who died last Saturday at 82.Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday eulogized the late veteran newspaper administrator, Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose, describing him as a beacon of hope for the new generation publishers.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant Media, Mr Emeka Obasi, Kalu, who was recently crowned Man-of-the-Year by the Anambra State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), toned down his celebration mood as news of Jose’s death hit him.

“Alhaji Jose’s days in the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) were fruitful. Those were the golden years of the conglomerate. It was a success story that encouraged some of us, the new generation of publishers,” he said.

The Jose example, Kalu explained, would continue to guide media practitioners in the country and ginger them to higher responsibilities.

“At 16, in 1941, he joined Daily Times as a Technical Trainee. And that was two years before Nigeria’s first graduate journalist, Abdulkarim Disu, earned a degree from the University of Winconsin, United States in 1943. By 1948, Jose was already a political correspondent, in 1957 he was appointed Editor, Daily Times. In the next five years, the man rose to the position of Managing Director and to cap it all, Chairman of the Daily Times group in 1968,” Kalu recalled.

According to the ex-governor, Jose also trained some of the best managers in the history of Nigerian journalism. Men who raised many of those managing the media today.
“By these, I mean people like Prince Henry Olukayode Odukomaiya, Chief Emmanuel Adagogo Jaja, and Aremo Olusegun Osoba. Some of the newspaper chiefs in our country today, passed through them.”

Kalu, who is also Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), added that the former Daily Times Chairman belonged to the robust old school of journalism that included the likes of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Hadji Alade Odunewu and Ikpehare Izedome Aig-Imoukhuede.

Also, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, eulogized Jose’s death as the glorious end-of-an era in Nigerian Journalism.
According to a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odfumakin, Afenifere captured Jose’s life as, “the rise from obscurity to stardom through dint of hard work and perseverance.
The statement goes further: “Babatunde Jose was an exemplar as he did not get involved in any act that could tarnish his reputation.

We salute the spirit of this great Yoruba son and indeed a Nigerian indefatigable patriot. Though he is no longer with us physically, his moral grandeur shall be eternally with us.
“Afenifere commiserates with his biological and extended families, the men of the pen profession and the Islamic faith in Nigeria on this irreparable loss.”
The Action Congress (AC) in its tribute to the man, widely regarded as the ‘Doyen of Nigerian journalism, described Alhaji Babatunde Jose’s death at 82, as a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.

In a statement issued in Abuja Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the late Jose impacted positively on his chosen profession and presided over what was one of Africa’s most influential newspapers - The Daily Times - because of his rare vision and good leadership.
The statement further reads: “Were Alhaji Jose as inept, selfish and corrupt as those parading themselves as leaders today, whether in the public or private sectors, the Daily Times would not have attained the height it reached, and journalism in Nigeria would have been the worse for it.

“It is no longer news that Alhaji Jose rose through the ranks to reach the highest echelon of the newspaper - and the profession of journalism - by sheer dint of hard work, perseverance and honesty.”
AC also hailed Alhaji Jose’s contribution to the growth of Islam and religious tolerance in Nigeria, saying it was in recognition of his efforts in ensuring religious harmony that he got a rare award from the Pope.
“We commiserate with his immediate family and his extended family of journalists over his death, and pray that Allah will grant repose to his gentle soul,’’ it added.

In his reaction Chief James Ibori described the late media administrator as a man who has paid his dues to nation building. Ibori made the statement through his personal secretary, Emmanuel Esemedafe, in his country home in Oghara, Delta State .

He further noted that his death has created a vacuum in the journalism space and he would be dearly missed by all. “But it is consolatory that he lived a great life committed to nation building and service to God,” said Ibori. He prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss and to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Moreover, Dr Adinoyi Ojo-Onukaba, former Managing Director, Daily Times, in his tribute described Alhaji Jose as an extraordinary human being, a strong and principled character, a devout Muslim and a loving family man. He was my hero and role model throughout my four years at the helm of affairs at DTN. Although he had been gone some 23 years before my arrival at the Times in 1999, he always loomed large in our consciousness.”

According to the former media aide to V.P Atiku Abubakar, Jose was larger than life, the quintessential man of humble beginning, who became a legend in his life time by dint of hard work, perseverance and courage in the midst of intimidating odds. I have always believed that two broad categories of people passed through the Times - the builders and the wreckers he eulogised. Jose was the foremost builder.”
In his reaction, Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, described the death of Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose as one death too many for the Nigeria’s media industry.

Dr Saraki in a condolence message to the family of the deceased said the late Jose was the greatest media doyen of our generation. No doubt, the passage of Jose represents the end of a generation of a media guru, whose high professional touch would be missed by all.
He was a great disciplinarian, who exhibited exemplary commitment to the development of modern journalism in Nigeria, Saraki said.

While also commiserating with the entire family of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr Saraki prayed God to grant the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.
The newly elected President Nigerian Guild of Editor (NGE), Mr Gbenga Adefaye, said: “Without doubt, the Guild, like the entire Nigerian media, will miss the exemplary leadership and direction that Alhaji Jose provided for the Nigerian Press.

According to Adefaye, the Guild acknowledges that many of the leading lights of the journalism profession today either passed through Alhaji Jose or were directly influenced by him.
“As a newspaper editor, media manager, Chairman Board of Directors of the Daily Times Group and an elder statesman, Alhaji Jose exemplified the dreams and possibilities of every journalists.
“It is our belief that every Nigerian journalist and the institution of journalism in Nigeria will continue to be guided by the values and philosophies heartily laid down by Alhaji Jose,” he said.

Qasim Akinreti Tribute to Baba November 21, 2008
Tributes For Late Babatunde Jose
Qasim Akinreti & Abdul Isa, Lagos.
Nigerians from all walks of life have been paid glowing tribute to a life of commitment and selfless services provided by Late Alhaji Babatunde   Jose, one of the Doyen Of Modern Nigerian Journalism.
Ismail Babatunde Jose, former Managing Director, Daily Times Newspapers died at the age of 82 in Lagos and buried according to Islamic rites.
 At his Lagos home in Victoria Island scores of sympathisers, led by the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Gbenga Adefaye thronged the serene compound on a condolence visit.
According the NGE president, Alhaji Jose lives an exemplary life, and left his footprints in the field of Journalism.  He eulogised his leadership role in repositioning the Daily Times Publications to an enviable heights.
Former Nigerian Information Minister and ex Managing Director Daily Times and  Segun Osoba,  Former Governor of Ogun State another former Managing Editor of the foremost Nigerian Tabloid  also pour encomiums on the leadership style of late Babatunde Jose especially  his unique managerial ability.
For the Lagos State Governor in South Western Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola the passage of renowned journalist and former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Babatunde Jose was the conclusion of a brilliant chapter in the history of Nigerian journalism.

Governor Fashola who was one of the early callers to the Samuel Manuwa, Victoria Island residence of Alhaji Jose, in the condolence register said that the chapter was characterized by “very high ethics, compassion, courage and exemplary leadership”.
Governor Fashola was received at the Victoria Island residence of Alhaji Jose by respected journalists and TIMES men like former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba ,the former Minister of information Prince Tony Momoh, Sir Odafe Othihiwa of African Independent Television and children of the departed including Mr. Babatunde Jose Junior and Mr Rabiu Jose.


 
According to the Governor,” as the acknowledged doyen of modern Nigerian Journalism takes a bow to meet his Creator; the country will miss his very invaluable contributions to national development”.
In another Press Release signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello, a former Editor of Daily Times, the Governor prayed that the departure of the foremost journalist and accomplished administrator will inspire even more people especially journalists and other Nigerians at large to strive to surpass his achievements.

While wishing the departed Alhaji Jose Al Janna Firdaus, Governor Fashola prayed that Allah will give all the loved ones he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Governor later commiserated with the widow of Alhaji Jose, Alhaja Azeezat Omoyeni Jose and other members of the family.
He also joined Muslim clerics and other distinguished personalities including the former Governor of Lagos State Bola Ahmed Tinubu to offer prayers for the repose of Alhaji Babatunde Jose’s soul.

Governor Fashola also took part in the Janazah prayers led by Imam Ahmad Yusuff.
Otunba Subomi Balogun Chairman First City Group November 21, 2008
Tribute to Babatunde Jose
By 'Subomi Balogun
ALHAJI Babatunde Jose, a titan indeed, has passed on! He was different things to many people. While some people knew him as a Doyen or an Icon of Journalism, there are many facets of his life, apart from his Islamic religious commitments and devotion, which most people might not have been aware of.
For instance, not many people would be aware that in his own special way, he touched indirectly the economic lives of many Nigerians as chairman of a number of very successful businesses and interestingly enough, he contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian Capital Market at an early stage of this development.
Even some of us who later on made our fortune and name in that market will readily acknowledge that he contributed to whatever fame and recognition we earned. I would personally acknowledge with immense gratitude that he assisted in no small measure in giving me the acclaim and fame I have acquired in the investment banking industry.
It was when I had the unique privilege of leading the team in Icon Securities Limited that brought the shares of Daily Times to the Nigerian public for the first time during the Indigenisation Exercise that I had a close contact with him; even though his fame had preceded my meeting him, especially with his activities in journalism and particularly in the Daily Times during the First and Second Republics.
The Indigenisation Exercise amongst other requirements, prescribed that all foreign companies should sell their shares to the Nigerian public and Alhaji Jose as Chairman and Managing Director of Daily Times, persuaded Mr. Cecil King, the original owner of Daily Times to sell all his shares to the Nigerian public. My employers, NIDB/Icon Securities were given the mandate and as the executive director in charge of Icon Securities, I had to lead the whole exercise. Alhaji Jose was so impressed and he eulogised me for the "deft and resourceful way" I took the company, Daily Times, through the labyrinths of the then reputedly tough regulations of the Lagos Stock Exchange; so much so that on the day the Subscription List opened to the public, the Daily Times had a front full page picture of Alhaji Jose and I, signing the agreement for the Daily Times Initial Public Offer. It was the first occasion in my life that I had such a privilege.
It was novel in Nigeria, as the Daily Times under the leadership of Alhaji Jose wanted to demonstrate its zest, joy and appreciation for those of us who put in our best to give Daily Times shares the best outing in those days.
Beyond that, Alhaji Jose in his usual humane and personal touch used the incident to bring the then Chief Executive of the Lagos Stock Exchange, Prince Ade Odedina and humble me, much closer personally, beyond our professional interaction. We became family friends and he took us as his younger brothers and he disclosed to us that his grandmother was a Princess of Ijebuland, being a daughter as he put it, of a "Prince Abidagba of the Fidipote Ruling House of the Awujale dynasty". Incidentally, being a descendant of an "Abidagba" by Ijebu tradition, he could vie to become an Awujale and both Prince Ade Odedina and I, belong to the Ijebu royal dynasty.
It was this close relationship amongst the three of us that encouraged us, when we had a vision of a Stock Exchange House, to approach him to let us build the Stock Exchange House on a plot of land owned by Daily Times and adjacent to the premises of Daily Times.
We gave him a proposal to incorporate a company known as Naira Properties Limited to be owned by the Daily Times and the Lagos Stock Exchange in a ratio of 60 and 40 per cent respectively. We did not have any problem in getting him to accept our structure. The Stock Exchange was to use its muscle and contact to raise money for the development.
Alhaji Jose made Lady Ayo Alakija, now late, the wife of one of the founders of the Daily Times, the late Sir Adeyemo Alakija, the Chairman of Naira Properties Limited. Of course, Alhaji Jose, Prince Ade Odedina, and my humble self were directors, and one other director seat was given to Daily Times because of their majority holding, which was filled by Alhaji Jose's deputy, Mr. Laban Namme.
The result of our vision is the Nigerian Stock Exchange House which was built by G. Cappa and funded through the assistance of the three big commercial banks that existed at that time, namely Barclays Bank, now known as Union Bank, Standard Bank of Nigeria, now known as First Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA).
With this close relationship among the three of us, we encouraged Alhaji Jose to show interest in investments in shares and he did invest extensively on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. With his investment vehicle known as Irede Properties and Investment Company, he became a foremost and substantial investor in shares quoted on the Stock Exchange.
I am sure all of us who are associated with the Nigerian Capital Market would like to associate ourselves with these tributes and condolences on the occasion of the departure of one of our champions and one of those who showed the light for Nigerians to follow in the use of the Nigerian Stock Market as a veritable vehicle for making investments.
May the soul of Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose, rest in perfect peace. (Amen).
*Otunba Balogun, CON, is chairman of the First City Group.

Kaye Whiteman Guardian UK November 21, 2008
Obituary
Babatunde Jose
Legendary doyen of Nigerian journalism
·        Kaye Whiteman
·        The Guardian <http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian> ,
·        Monday August 25 2008
·        Article history
Babatunde Jose, one of Nigeria's most significant media figures, has died aged 82. For nearly 15 years he ran the Daily Times Group, from the period of independence to the moment, in 1975-76, when the military government took over and eased him out. The irony was that only three years before, Jose had presided over what was called "indigenisation", the acquisition of a foreign-owned company by Nigerian shareholders. The newspaper had been acquired in 1948 by Cecil King, the boss of the Mirror Group in London, as the linchpin of his West African media empire. Jose had been King's star protege, and the two remained in close touch until the latter's death in the 1980s.
Jose was born in Lagos. His father was a trader whose family was originally from Ondo State, and he was educated at Yaba Methodist school and St Saviour's College before joining the Daily Times as a trainee at the age of 16. Although he moved to other papers, he returned to the Daily Times after the Mirror Group takeover, and rose through the ranks, becoming editor in 1957 and a board member in 1958. To be a journalist in Nigeria in the nationalist fervour of the 1950s was exciting and he learned his trade well. With the coming of independence and Africanisation, he was appointed the company's first African managing director in 1962, becoming chairman as well in 1968.
The Mirror Group brought tabloid newspapers, with modern production techniques, to African publishing and in Nigeria it worked wonderfully. The group expanded with new publications as well as printing and packaging, and the Daily Times/Sunday Times became Nigeria's best-selling newspapers by far. By 1975 circulation was 275,000 for the daily and 400,000 for the Sunday, a record only surpassed by MKO Abiola's Daily Concord in the early 1990s.
Although Jose was non-partisan, he was politically aware, and he believed firmly in newspapers. Although not a university man himself, he was keen on educated journalists and went out of his way to set up a training school and to employ graduates. A generation of Nigerian journalists still talk of him with respect. In his later years his white beard reinforced his elder statesman image.
His fall came after the change of regime in 1975, but it was also due to the very enterprise he had created, almost too powerful to remain outside the orbit of the state. When General Yakubu Gowon was replaced by General Murtala Mohammed, who embarked on a national clean-up, Jose's own opponents within and without the Daily Times, who unfairly accused him of trying to take it over himself, found an audience.
The story of the forced sale of 60% of the shares and Jose's eventual departure in March 1976 is recounted in detail in his autobiography Walking a Tight Rope (1987). Although the telling is restrained, his feelings occasionally show through. The Daily Times had been his life, and he watched over its experience as a government-owned newspaper with alarm. When I met him, he would always talk of it with passion and sadness, as the paper declined.
He was already a prominent member of the Nigeria media establishment before 1976, and went on to a full life as a businessman and media guru, holding such positions as chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority, but it is for his Daily Times experience he will be remembered. His influence has been profound, and his memory in the world of the Nigerian media, often turbulent and difficult, but always vibrant, will surely endure. A devout Muslim, he is survived by his wife and children.
· Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose, journalist, born December 13 1925; died August 2 2008

Prince Charles Dickson Babatunde Jose is dead! November 21, 2008
Alhaji Babatunde Jose is dead!
  By
Prince Charles Dickson
E
Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose is the most respected journalist in
Nigeria. He was born on December 13, 1925 in Lagos. He didn't have
the opportunity of tertiary education as his educational exploits
ended at the Yaba Methodist School and St. Saviour's High School,
Lagos. But what this legend of Nigerian journalism missed in the
colleges, he made up for with his exceptional and intimidating
successes, which were won "through hard grind" as a student of the
"university of life".Although his educational profile is miles behind
his enormous achievements in his journalistic carreer, Alhaji Jose's
colossal contributions to the development of Nigerian journalism are
unprecedented and it is to his credit that most notable practitioners
of the profession, yesterday and today, are products of his tutelage.
Today, the history of Nigerian journalism would be incomplete without
a worthy recognition to the foot prints of the man who has been
deservedly named The Doyen of Nigerian Journalism; father of modern
day journalism or simply Mr. Nigerian Journalism.
Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose's life is journalism and journalism is
his life. He employed hard work and self development as tools to
achieve mind-blowing success at The Daily Times Group. He had joined
the group as a technical trainee in 1941 at the age of sixteen.
Through hard work and unwavering dedication to journalism, he rose
through the ranks to become reporter and later news editor in 1957.
By 1962, he had reached the peak, when he was appointed Managing
Director, Chairman/Chief Executive, a position he held till 1976.
It won't be out of point to assert that from the evolution of
journalism in Nigeria of old till modern day practice of the
profession, no Nigerian, living or dead, has dedicated his entire
life and career to the development and practice of the profession
more than Alhaji (Dr.) Ismail Babatunde Jose.
Alhaji Dr. Ismail Babatunde Jose, became the 5th President of Anwar -
UI Islam Movement of Nigeria in 1967 in succession to the Late Pa. B.
D. Oshodi whose two terms of office as President expired in 1967.
Alhaji Dr. Babatude Jose so far holds the record of the youngest
person ever to hold the office of the President of Ahmadiyya Movement
in Islam of Nigeria. He assumed office at the age of 42 years.
Alhaji Dr. Babatunde Jose was recorded to be the President who
visited the Missions outside Lagos more than any one else.
During his tenure, he commissioned the re - building of the
Headquarters Central Mosque.
The Magnificent edifice which was commissioned on 13th December 1980
was so arranged tocoincide with the date of his birth. The change of
name from Ahmadiyya Movement in islam of Nigeria was moved during is
tenure, it was finally concluded in May 1974 after he had retired
having served two terms in office as President. His Presidency marked
a lot of improvements and achievements within the Movement

Gov. Babatunde Fashola End of Brilliant Chapter November 21, 2008

Fashola, in his tribute, described the passage of Jose as the conclusion of a brilliant chapter in the history of Nigerian journalism. The governor, who signed the condolence register during his condolence visit, wrote that the chapter was characterized by "very high ethics, compassion, courage and exemplary leadership".

According to the governor, as the acknowledged doyen of modern Nigerian journalism takes a bow to meet his creator, the country will miss his very invaluable contributions to national development.

Fashola, however, prayed that the departure of the foremost journalist and accomplished administrator will inspire even more people especially journalists and other Nigerians at large to strive to surpass his achievements. While wishing Jose Al janah firdaus, he prayed that Allah will give all the loved ones he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss. The governor took part in the Janazah prayers for the deceased.

Gov, Gbenga Daniel Irreparable Loss November 21, 2008

Irreparable loss - Daniel

Daniel described the death of Jose as an irreparable loss to the journalism profession. In a statement issued in Abeokuta by Kayode Samuel, Ogun State commissioner for information and orientation, the governor said Jose was a worthy example of all that is good in journalism and that he can be fittingly described as a pillar of the profession who was committed to the tenets and best traditions of journalism.

"Alhaji Jose was a doyen of no mean standing; he was an erudite journalist, an upright man who ensured that journalism was practised as a tool for social reformation and development. He gave his all to the profession and was instrumental to the robust role journalism is now playing in our national life. It is noteworthy that even after his retirement, Alhaji Jose maintained his love and dedication to journalism by mentoring others and chairing the Nigeria Media Merit Award initiative", he stated. Daniel urged Nigerian journalists to emulate the Jose tradition of truthfulness, balance, patriotism and fairness which he said were the hallmarks of responsible journalism.

Total Condolences: 18
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