By Ozumi Abdul
Born in Akure, Ondo State, Richard Akinnola’s early life experiences instilled in him a strong sense of purpose. He honed his intellectual and moral fortitude at institutions like St. Thomas Primary School, Aquinas College, and Christ School, Ado Ekiti, before pursuing journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the School of Journalism in Berkshire, UK. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for a career that would challenge the status quo and speak truth to power.
His journey as a journalist began with a focus on the judicial beat, a path that would define his activism. As a judicial correspondent for The Guardian and later a pioneer staff at Vanguard newspapers, Akinnola meticulously reported on landmark cases, including the high-profile Decree 4 trial of journalists Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson. His work earned him a reputation for being a courageous and fearless reporter who stood against the military regimes of the time. This period of his life forged a strong bond with the late human rights icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who became a key mentor.
Akinnola’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy were not confined to the newsroom. As a pro-democracy activist, he actively challenged military rule, using his pen and his voice to demand the restoration of civilian governance. He is an executive director of the Centre for Free Speech, an organization dedicated to upholding press freedom and human rights. His extensive writings, including books like History of Coup D’etats in Nigeria and Abiola, Democracy, and Rule of Law, serve as vital historical records and intellectual contributions to the discourse on Nigeria’s political development.
Generosity Beyond Measure
Beyond his public advocacy, Sir Richard Akinnola is known for a profound personal generosity that has touched countless lives. His benevolence is rooted in a deep empathy, particularly for those who have sacrificed for the collective good. This is most evident in the establishment of the Richard Akinnola Foundation in 2010. The foundation, a testament to his kind heart, was created to provide a safety net for the widows and children of deceased journalists and activists who often leave little behind for their families.
The foundation’s work extends beyond financial aid, encompassing a comprehensive support system that includes welfare packages, mentorship, healthcare services, and academic scholarships for the children of the departed. Akinnola’s commitment to this cause is not for public acclaim but from a genuine desire to honor the memory of his colleagues and ensure their families are not left to suffer in silence. His quiet acts of kindness, such as disbursing funds and food items to these families, have brought smiles to faces wrinkled by pain and trauma, embodying the very essence of his character.
On this special day, we honor a man who embodies the spirit of selflessness. Sir Richard Akinnola’s life is a powerful reminder that true success is not measured by wealth or status, but by the positive impact one has on the lives of others. His enduring legacy as a voice for the voiceless, a defender of democracy, and a beacon of generosity will continue to inspire generations to come.
