By Fidelis Soriwei, Abuja
He is one of the most creative minds in the Media industry in Nigeria today. No doubt a man of great impact. He has a unique style that inspires productivity.
The instrument of coercion which many readily deploy as a stamp of authority in the news room is never a first option.
Those who work or worked closely with him will readily attest to the fact that he does not deploy the loud voice to remind you of the aura authority around him.
When he calls, his gentle reminder and insistence for more work, more investigation, and the aura of respect around the conversation propels you to greater productivity.
It is without contestation that his strategy achieves much more than those wielding a face of fury, with the lurking threat of a query to prove a questionable competence in human resource management.
He loves justices, he desires fairness, he shows deep concern about the welfare of those who work under him. He does not work with the Herod’s principle.
He holds empathy with one hand, while compassion occupies the other.
As the Editor of the PUNCH, the Editor Saturday Punch, the Executive Director Publications of the Punch, the Controller Publications, Executive Director, (Publications and Digital) etc, he reversed many queries unfairly issued by overtly overzealous superiors. He opted to be a silent Force of moderation.
He loves the PUNCH with a passion beyond description but He loves God more. He also fears Him.
Those who passed through this route know that the contest for recognition between the various editors of the three titles resulted in avoidable ‘casualties’ in the newsroom. But one man stood out as a bridge of moderation between some fierce superiors and subordinates. He did not allow the personal vendettas of angry predators to feast on the ‘preys.’ His was an untiring interceding presence.
No doubt, many of such subordinates had prayed in the silence of the night, calling on God to remember this man for the good things he has done. Little wonder, when there was a fire incident in an estate in Lagos where he lives, many worried until, they got the information from him that he was not affected.
He does not shield a friend to violate rules, he does not support those in high places to oppress the weak. His authority gives strength to the weak when he is right. He listens to the cries of those who feel deprived. Sentiments do not propel him.
The PUNCH, Nigeria’s best has affirmed a tradition of greatness. It couldn’t have been better.
As the former Managing Director, Mr Ademola Osinubi, said he couldn’t have handed over the leadership of the PUNCH to a better candidate for this job of massive responsibilities.
“There can’t be a better choice than Joseph as my successor at this period in the life of our newspaper company.
“He is a highly ethical professional with a deep understanding and knowledge of print and digital journalism. He has shown a proven commitment to higher levels of relevance and all-round growth.”
Today, this day of thanksgiving on May 1, 2022, a man who loves God, a compassionate leader who places a value on humanity, who knows how to get the best out of men, who knows how to pass across hard instructions without hurting the intrinsic right of every man respect, a true professional takes over as the Managing Director of Nigeria’s greatest Newspaper, The PUNCH
Mr. Joseph Adeyeye the new Managing Director, is armed with competence, capacity, compassion love, without relegating discipline and order.
He lacks the capacity to sleep over a perceived injustice.
Above all of these qualities, he has God on his side!The PUNCH is truly out for great things.
Above article was first published in THE NETWORK by its publisher, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei on the 1st of May, 2022.
