Lessons for Campus Media from Obilo Kobilo By Rodgers Esekon The late Livingstone Otieno Obilo might have gone too soon. However, his time as a campus media personality and his contributions to developments in Main Campus politics left many lessons we should learn from. As it is with great men, it will be wrong to let grief blinded us from seeing the achievements. The best way to do this is by relieving the life and times of Obilo Kobilo. Here are lessons for campus media, budding journalists and upcoming writers. Kobilo made a name out of his journalistic work with the 3rd Eye, first as a reporter, opinion writer and later as the Secretary General. Each and every article he penned is a masterpiece, “Toddler’s Business” being one of those that remain timeless. Like any journalist worth his salt, Obilo’s allegiance was to truth, regardless of whom it concerned. He pulled no punches in condemning corruption and poor leadership. You do not see such level of journalistic works on our walls anymore, either they are admitted elsewhere or Kobilos of our time lack the balls to deal with the hard part of the practice. Another lesson our sleeping campus media, this publication included, should learn from Kobilo was his thoroughness in unearthing the truth. All his articles were laden with hard cold facts, nothing based on rumours or hearsay. He brought to light corrupt dealing involving the 26th SGC in the tendering of businesses at the Students Centre and around campus. The pieces were so detailed you would think he was part of the dirty deals. He believed and fought for independence of campus media practice. Former 3rd Eye Chairman Maalim Salat revealed to me how Obilo defended writers who had gotten into trouble with the administration for their writing. He led by example too, wrote on what he thought comrades needed to know about without fear or favour. You can only imagine a second year journalism student with such level of dedication to his work with no monetary benefit. He was that good. Another aspect of Kobilo the journalist was his objectivity. While he hit leaders of the day hard, it was without malice or ulterior motives. Former MUSO Chair Florence Doghana acknowledged this when I asked him if he ever mended bridges with the Deceased, after being implicated in alleged corruption in the tendering process together with other directors in the 26th SGC. He said he understood it was nothing personal and that Obilo was only playing his part as the public’s watchdog. To campus media, the only way we can remember one of the best and most loyal servants of student journalism is by embracing what he stood for.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:29:28 +0000
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