The Nigerian media landscape has lost one of its most formidable pillars with the passing of Mr. Lewis Obi, a veteran journalist, editor, and media executive who significantly shaped the trajectory of modern Nigerian journalism, reports ITREALMS.
A native of Amurri in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr. Obi died at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy defined by intellectual depth and unyielding professional integrity.
Mr. Obi’s journey into the upper echelons of Nigerian media began with a solid academic foundation. He attended Methodist Central School in Agbani before moving on to the University of Lagos, where he earned a degree in Mass Communication.
During his time at UNILAG, he was recognized as a standout student of the legendary communications scholar, the late Professor Alfred Opubor, whose teachings helped hone Obi’s analytical approach to reporting.
His professional rise was swift and impactful. He first gained national attention as a star features writer at the Daily Times, the country’s premier newspaper at the time.
His professional rise was swift and impactful. He first gained national attention as a star features writer at the Daily Times, the country’s premier newspaper at the time.
His sharp prose and insightful commentary eventually caught the eye of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, who headhunted him to join the Concord Group.
Starting as the Features Editor of National Concord, Mr. Obi’s leadership qualities and editorial vision soon saw him ascend to the roles of founding editor, Editor-in-Chief, and Managing Director of African Concord, the group’s influential weekly magazine.
It was during his tenure at African Concord that Mr. Obi cemented his reputation as a champion of press freedom. Under his guidance, the magazine became a fearless voice for investigative journalism, frequently challenging the excesses of Nigeria’s military regimes.
It was during his tenure at African Concord that Mr. Obi cemented his reputation as a champion of press freedom. Under his guidance, the magazine became a fearless voice for investigative journalism, frequently challenging the excesses of Nigeria’s military regimes.
This commitment to truth-telling came at a personal cost; following a period of intense state repression and harassment by security forces, he was forced into exile in the United States. Despite the distance, his influence on the industry remained profound.
Beyond his editorial achievements, Lewis Obi was revered as a mentor with an uncanny ability to identify and refine raw talent. Many of today’s leading journalists and public intellectuals cite his guidance as a turning point in their careers.
Beyond his editorial achievements, Lewis Obi was revered as a mentor with an uncanny ability to identify and refine raw talent. Many of today’s leading journalists and public intellectuals cite his guidance as a turning point in their careers.
He was a man who balanced literary excellence with a spirit of professional generosity, ensuring that the next generation of newsmen was equipped with both skill and courage. Mr. Obi is survived by his wife and children.
Ibezim Ako/Enugu/Editor
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