Tinubu Does Not Deserve A Second Term - Godday Odidi
The Editor-In-Chief had a chat with Godday Odidi, a media entrepreneur and economist.
Below are the excerpts:
GGN: Can we get to meet you Sir?
Godday Odidi: I’m Ambassador Odidi Godday Aguriase (OGA), popularly known as OGA. I hail from Ivrogbo-Irri town in Isoko South LGA of Delta State. I received my primary and secondary education in Delta State and attended the University of Lagos, where I earned a Diploma in Private and Property Law. Additionally, I completed my first degree in Economics at Lagos State University and received further training in the media industry.
GGN: Can you tell us more about the Mindset Media Awards which has been on since 2011?
Godday Odidi: Global Mindset Media Achievers Excellence Awards started in 2011, though the first name was Mindset Media Achievers Excellence Awards ,in 2022 ,we changed it to Global as a name brand for more international appeal. It came as a passion to promote and honour people with integrity in all walks of life, having worked with different media houses from the grassroots to national newspapers as a freelancer. Since then, we have honoured over 200 personalities globally and locally, some are late now. The truth is that the Mindset Platform ignites you to work more as an awardee.
GGN: Can you speak on the threat of AI to the Nigerian media?
Godday Odidi: At present, Artificial intelligence has affected the media industry negatively and positively, it makes writing easy while the demand for media professionals has reduced drastically. AI can give you all that you need to advertise your products or services. Journalists need regular training and they need to diversify into different media platforms to earn a good living. Social media, iPhones, and Android phones have greatly disrupted the media industry
AI is a big threat and also a huge relief for journalists and media professionals who need upgrading. The Nigerian media a few years ago was a Lord, but today AI has revolutionized the entire process, nobody stays at the roadside or bus stations to argue about news. Your phone can give you what you want with your data. There are platforms you can earn through AI.
GGN: Comrade Omoyele Sowore was arrested and detained by the DSS for calling Tinubu a criminal on social media. Is the Tinubu administration repressive towards the media?
Godday Odidi: Comrade Omoyele Sowore has been fighting against injustice for years. Even the present leadership of President Bola Tinubu is rated poorly in terms of the economy. People are suffering, he deserved such flak from Comrade Sowore.
The truth is that media houses are divided since this administration came to power, journalists speak from both sides of their mouth. Sahara Reporters have done well to expose this present government in power. Some media houses are enjoying this government too.
GGN: Why do most Nigerian Journalists end up retiring into poverty?
Godday Odidi: Journalism is a tough profession. You need passion to stay strong in the profession. It is a noble profession that needs honesty and integrity, but unfortunately, the profession gives visibility with little financial rewards.
As a journalist, you must be creative, turn to content creation, and put a premium on the profession.
Media houses don’t pay much again, low advertisements due to social media presence, even owners of businesses now run their adverts for themselves online without influencers or media houses.
Journalists must learn how to sell too to avoid stories that touch the heart. Poverty was never created in us as journalists. We made the choice to remain poor. You need to have a plan B for retirement successfully by using quality relationships to build currency.
GGN: Should social media be regulated?
Godday Odidi: Social media should not be regulated; even conventional media houses now depend on social media reports. It was social media stories that brought the APC to power since 2015.
GGN: Can you give a critical assessment of President Tinubu’s economic policies?
Godday Odidi: President Tinubu’s policies are against the masses. It favours the elite in government. Private business owners are struggling to survive. The removal of fuel subsidy brought so much hardship in Nigeria. Anything that rises can’t come down, poor electricity and insecurity. His policies are too harsh with too much corruption at his doorstep
GGN: What is your view on the deregistration of some opposition political parties?
Godday Odidi: President Tinubu is afraid of the opposition parties, deregistering some of the opposition parties by their own courts only shows failure on the government’s part. Nigerians will make their choice in 2027. Nigerian leaders are rulers and giants not leaders
GGN: Based on performance, does Tinubu deserve a second term in office?
Godday Odidi: Tinubu does not deserve a second term, he told us if he does not perform in his first term, we should not vote for him for a second term.
He is not 100 percent a failure but corruption is at the peak, borrowing to keep the country poor for years.
Previous leaders before him put Nigeria into this situation since 1999 to date.
GGN: Thank you very much for your time.
Godday Odidi: You are welcome.