Opinion: Ismaila Isa Funtua: A Farewell From An ‘Adopted Son’, By Mikail Mumuni
My interaction with this great departed Nigerian dates back to 1987 when he, as the managing director of the Kaduna-basednewspapers, now defunct, gave me my first job as a journalist, two months to the end of my youth service, in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Mallam Ahmad, who later became our Sunday editor, and Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua were among those who interviewed me for the job. The late Mallam Funtua told me that Mallam Abba Kyari , the daily editor-designate too would have been on the panel, but that he was absent because he had some engagements in the United Kingdom .
He took a deep breath and said “This place if for people with long years of experience in journalism, but I cannot deny you accreditation since your MD feels you are up to the task. Your Oga is also my Oga’s friend, so you are welcome.” I told him only the Nigerian Television Authority , News Agency of Nigeria and Radio Nigeria correspondents were on the list because there would be no advance party and everyone one on the trip would be in the Presidential Aircraft with President Babangida. “Don’t worry, you are travelling with the president on that trip. I will talk to the president,” he told me.
I did as instructed. On our way to Japan, President Babangida left his VIP section of the plane to throw banters with other members of his entourage. He was closely followed by Chief Onabule.
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