Business
Journalism Requires Integrity, Passion, Not Quick Money – Penpushing Publisher
By Joseph Sunday
Veteran journalist and publisher of Penpushing Media, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, has called on young journalists to uphold integrity and professionalism, warning that the growing trend of fake news and money-driven journalism could damage the credibility of the profession.
Kayode-Adedeji, who said he has spent more than three decades in the practice of journalism, emphasized that dedication and passion remain the foundation of a successful media career.
Speaking on his experience in the profession with Treasure Newspaper at the headquarters of Penpushing in Abeokuta recently, Kayode-Adedeji said journalism demands courage, noting that practitioners often face hostility for exposing the truth.
He explained that journalists sometimes step on powerful toes because their duty is to report facts, adding that many people who have “skeletons in their cupboards” dislike journalists for holding them accountable.
He recalled one of the most dangerous moments of his career during the June 12 political crisis, when he narrowly escaped death after being brutally attacked by soldiers who were angered by journalists reporting on the excesses of the military regime.
According to him, he survived the attack only after pretending to be dead while the soldiers left the scene believing he had died.
Kayode-Adedeji noted that despite such life-threatening experiences, he never considered abandoning journalism.
He stressed that journalism has always been his lifelong passion, explaining that since leaving secondary school, he has never imagined himself in any other profession.
The media practitioner also warned young journalists against the temptation of fake news and unethical practices, stressing that false reporting could destroy lives and undermine the credibility of the media, he said.
Also advised reporters to always verify their information, noting that the professional rule remains clear: “If you are in doubt, leave it out.”
Kayode-Adedeji further explained that his decision to establish Penpushing Media came after decades of working with several media organisations including Daily Sketch, Daily Times, Monitor, ThirdEye, Republic, National Mirror, Searchlight, Postexpress, Next and Premium Times.
He said he created the platform as an independent media initiative that brings together journalists and professionals from different fields to promote informed public discourse.
He added that journalism may not always bring quick financial rewards, but it offers something more valuable: credibility, influence, and meaningful connections.
Also, as said, the profession has given him access to prominent personalities and opportunities across Nigeria and beyond, reinforcing his belief that integrity remains the greatest asset for any journalist.