“Spoon feeding, in the long run, teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” —E.M.Forster
In the vast landscape of journalism and prose, where words can sometimes feel like mere whispers against the cacophony of noise, Dr. Rueben Abati, our mentor, has long stood as a beacon of brilliance. He inadvertently spoon fed us in the craft and art of journalism. Most of us who now navigate the complex waters of freelance writing and creativity owe a great deal of our craft to Dr. Abati’s profound influence. His distinctive voice resonates in our hearts and minds, illuminating the art of storytelling and the power of insightful commentary.
Oh, how we cherished those golden days gone by! We would meticulously save every last Naira from our modest ‘pocket money,’ each week anticipating the arrival of Sunday so we could indulge in the pages of The Guardian Newspapers, savoring his intellectually woven articles. It was Dr. Abati’s enchanting articles that captivated our minds, drawing us into a world where journalism danced with intellect, humor, and unyielding integrity and activism. Dr. Abati’s ability to weave together words and ideas was nothing short of magical, sparking our imaginations and challenging our perspectives.
Yet, it is with a heavy heart that I observe his current trajectory in journalism. It pains me to witness a mind so sharp and a talent so potent tethered to the confines of a propaganda outlet like Arise TV. This platform, which seems to operate beneath the esteemed intellectual threshold that Dr. Abati rightfully commands, feels like a misstep—a place where his brilliance is, regrettably, dulled and diminished.
It’s disheartening to see someone of his caliber associating with individuals who seem to lack the depth and substance that Dr. Abati’s legacy embodies. I, for one, cannot bring myself to engage with the droning narrative of Arise TV; yet, whenever I inadvertently catch a glimpse of him in those frames, particularly the loquacious Rufai Oseni, an uncomfortable wave of shame washes over me on his behalf. There’s a sense of disappointment that simmers underneath; I feel very much as if I am watching a distinguished artist paint on a wall of blandness, stripping away the vibrant colors of his storytelling and journalistic acumen.
At this juncture, in Dr. Abati’s grand journey, he deserves so much more than what is presented to him at Arise TV. My heart yearns for the days when Dr. Abati graced the pages of The Guardian and Patito Gangs, where he could pour his intellect into articles and robust conversations that challenged the status quo, igniting national discussions and enlightening readers. In those olden days, Dr. Abati carved out a sanctuary for quality journalism—a place that thrived on authentic news, thought-provoking commentary, and a sprinkle of entertainment that left us eagerly anticipating his next piece and conversation.
Meanwhile, what I would give to see him reclaim that stage, to witness the return of the Dr. Abati we admired—where his thoughts could flow freely, unbound by the limitations of sensationalism and superficial journalism. I envision a world where he speaks again to the masses with the authority and creativity that once set him apart, rekindling the illuminating fire that initially drew so many of us to the craft and the art of journalism.
So, I pour my libations and raise a metaphorical glass, a humble toast to the hope that the curtains will part once more to reveal the shining star that is Dr. Rueben Abati—back to the platform where he rightfully belongs. Dr. Abati must come back to inspire a new generation of thinkers and writers to follow in his illustrious footsteps and transformation in journalism.
Come back to us, Dr. Abati. Your voice is needed now more than ever!
Yahaya Balogun writes from the sun-drenched state of Arizona, United States of America. See less
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