Veteran journalist and former Executive Editor for Business and Economy at ThisWeek magazine, Lawson Omokhodion, has reflected on the publication’s impact on Nigerian journalism, describing it as a groundbreaking platform that challenged military rule through bold investigative reporting.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Omokhodion recounted his journey into journalism, revealing that his career began at Newswatch after he submitted a detailed critique of the publication’s preview edition to its founders.
He explained that his feedback impressed the founders and eventually earned him a position as the magazine’s Business Editor.
Omokhodion said his move from Newswatch to ThisWeek marked a defining moment in his career, noting that ThisWeek emerged at a time when many believed no publication could compete with Newswatch.
He credited publisher Nduka Obaigbena with assembling an exceptional editorial team by recruiting experienced journalists from various media organisations across the country.
According to him, Obaigbena personally persuaded him to join the magazine through several meetings before eventually offering him a formal appointment.
Reflecting on the military era, Omokhodion said journalists faced enormous risks while reporting on government activities but remained committed to exposing abuses of power despite the dangers involved.
He identified the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during the Ibrahim Babangida administration as one of the publication’s most significant investigations.
Omokhodion recalled travelling to Kaduna with a colleague shortly after violence linked to the controversy erupted, describing the situation as tense, with security personnel on patrol and casualties still visible.
During the assignment, the journalists interviewed prominent Christian and Muslim leaders, including the late Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, to obtain different perspectives on the crisis.
He said Gumi encouraged them to embrace Islam during the interview, but they declined to engage in a religious discussion, explaining that their mission was solely to gather information for their report.
According to Omokhodion, the story generated widespread public attention after its publication and became one of the magazine’s most memorable investigations.
He also highlighted ThisWeek‘s extensive coverage of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) debate, noting that many of the economic issues discussed at the time remain relevant today.
Omokhodion further revealed that journalists often had to go into hiding after publishing sensitive reports, while Nduka Obaigbena made arrangements to ensure their safety.
Paying tribute to the media entrepreneur, he described Obaigbena as a courageous, visionary and compassionate leader whose commitment to journalism helped shape the industry.
He concluded by offering prayers for Obaigbena, wishing him continued success, good health and prosperity.
