Bayo Onanuga is a well-known journalist, editor, and media entrepreneur from Nigeria. He is known for always looking for the truth and standing up for press freedom. Onanuga was born on June 10, 1959, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. He has had a successful career for over 30 years, during which time he has significantly impacted Nigeria’s media space.
In the 1980s, Bayo Onanuga started working as a journalist for newspapers such as the Daily Times and The Guardian. In 1993, when he helped start and was in charge of The News magazine, he became well-known. The magazine, known for its in-depth investigations and harsh criticism of the corrupt government, was a key part of the fight against the military dictatorship in Nigeria in the 1990s.
Bayo Onanuga was a fearless journalist who spoke out against the government. Because of this, he was arrested on multiple occasions. Even though he faced many problems, he kept fighting for press freedom and democracy in Nigeria. In 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari made him the managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). This made him an even more respected media figure.
Bayo Onanuga has won many awards for his journalism skills, including the PEN USA Freedom-to-Write Award and the World Press Review’s International Editor of the Year Award. His constant commitment to telling the truth, fearless journalism, and support for a free press continue to inspire and shape the Nigerian media landscape.
Key Facts About Bayo Onanuga
- Bayo Onanuga was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, on June 10, 1959.
- In 1981, he got a degree in English Studies from what is now called Obafemi Awolowo University, which used to be called the University of Ife.
- In the 1980s, Bayo Onanuga began working as a journalist for Nigerian newspapers like the Daily Times and The Guardian.
- In 1993, Bayo Onanuga helped start a magazine called The News. The magazine became known for its investigative journalism and criticism of government corruption.
- Through his journalism, he did a lot to fight against the military dictatorship in Nigeria in the 1990s.
- He was arrested multiple times for speaking out against the government, which showed how much he cared about press freedom.
- In 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari made Bayo Onanuga the managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
- The PEN USA Freedom-to-Write Award was given to Bayo Onanuga because of how much he cares about free speech and democracy.
- The World Press Review gave him the International Editor of the Year Award for his great work as a journalist.
- Bayo Onanuga is still a big deal in Nigeria’s media world. His unwavering commitment to telling the truth and press freedom has inspired a new generation of journalists.
