By Kabs Kanu
I have been in Journalism for about 60 years. During this time, I have fought both the APC and the SLPP at various times in my life. I have also stood up for the rights of both the APC and SLPP at some point in my life.
The world has not forgotten that in the 70s and early 80s, I was one of the few journalists who risked my life and fought the Siaka Stevens government through my writings on the famous Chuks Press at Fourah Bay College, the University of Sierra Leone, and downtown in the Tablet newspaper before I was forced to flee the country for my life.
At times, I write to encourage young journalists and that is what I want to do here. Do not allow what your detractors say or write about you to get to you.
Contrary to what people say, journalism is not a thankless profession. If you excel, people will appreciate you (Not your enemies envious of you) . People appreciate your work, even in the face of all the stick or criticisms.
During my career, I have received 13 awards — one from the SLPP even — from local and international organizations and the two leading political parties in my country for outstanding journalism, including the ones I prize most —from the FBC Students Union ; NOSLINA , a cavalcade of Sierra Leone intellectuals with PH. Ds lecturing in U. S . universities ( some Mass Communications ) who got together and agreed that I deserved an award ; one from the Sierra Leone Government in commemoration of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary and that one from the SLPP . I will explain in another article what the FBC Students Union, NOSLINA, 50th Anniversary and SLPP Awards mean to me. If with all I write anout them, SLPP can give me an award for outstanding journalism in a jampacked program in New York in the early 2000s, it speaks.
Also , if the Nigeria Masterweb has adjudged Cocorioko as one of Nigeria’s most favourite newspapers while the International Sierra Leone Travel Guide , in its publication, still pinpoints Cocorioko as the real deal in the internet, it is all an immortal statement that my grandchildren and future generation can feast on. So, I have a lot to be proud about. And I will articulate it.
This is my birthday week. In commemoration of my 72nd birthday celebrations, beginning on Saturday, I will give young journalists a flashback on my rich journalism career, featuring every award I have received and their significance and meanings to me.
So, if you are a young, aspiring journalist or a blogger, do not despair. You have not entered a profession that is thankless. If you are good, credible, recognized, reputable organizations and countries will recognize you along the way. Do not listen to what your detractors say. Continue following your conscience.
