Sumonu Oladele “Baines” Giwa, widely known as Dele Giwa, was a Nigerian journalist born on March 16, 1947, to a family working in the palace of Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife,in Osun State. His father, originally from Ugbekpe-Ekperi in Etsako East local government area of Edo state, was a laundryman for Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group,
He attended local Authority Modern School in Lagere, Ile-lfe. When his father moved to Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife as a laundry man and his mother was a petty trader. Giwa spent his early years in a culturally rich environment that influenced his later life.
Education and Early Career
Dele Giwa’s early education was in Ile-Ife, where he attended the Local Authority Modern School and the Local Authority Commercial School. His quest for further education took him to the United States in 1971. There, he attended Brooklyn College in New York, earning a degree in English. He later pursued graduate studies at Fordham University.
Journalism Career
Giwa’s journalism career began in the United States, where he worked for The New York Times as a news assistant. In 1979, he returned to Nigeria and joined the Daily Times, one of the most prominent newspapers in the country at the time. His work quickly garnered attention for its incisive and courageous reporting.
In 1984, Giwa co-founded Newswatch magazine with other notable journalists, including Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, and Yakubu Mohammed. Newswatch became one of Nigeria’s most influential news magazines, known for its investigative journalism and bold criticism of government corruption and societal issues. Giwa served as its founding editor-in-chief.
Death and Legacy
On October 19, 1986, Dele Giwa’s life was tragically cut short when he received a parcel bomb at his home in Lagos. The bomb exploded, and Giwa sustained fatal injuries, leading to his death a short while later. His assassination sent shockwaves through Nigeria and drew international attention to the dangers faced by journalists in the country.
The murder investigation was controversial and remains unresolved, with widespread speculation and allegations regarding the involvement of government officials. Giwa’s death is often cited as a turning point in Nigerian media history, symbolizing the perilous conditions under which journalists operate.
Legacy
Dele Giwa is remembered as a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism. His commitment to truth and fearless reporting set high standards in the field. Newswatch continued his legacy of investigative journalism, although it faced numerous challenges after his death.
Giwa’s life and work have inspired numerous awards and honors in his name, encouraging journalistic excellence and integrity. His story remains a powerful reminder of the vital role of free press in a democratic society and the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Nigeria and beyond.
