- ‘Why I prostrated for this evil man at the Bulgarian Embassy’
By Wale OJO-LANRE, Esq.
Yes, look at his face—The face of Ogbeni Tope Awe, the first Editor of Tourism in Nigeria.
Is he truly an evil man?
If you think not, then he must surely be the No. 1 Tourism Media Personality in Nigeria!
Tope Ogbeni-Awe is an Ekiti man, a proud product of Up School (Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti), an exquisite journalist, and a rare pathfinder. He holds the singular honour of being the first Nigerian journalist to dedicate and sign a Tourism Page in the country’s media history.
He is cerebral, forthright, sound, and immensely experienced.
In his illustrious career, he once served as the Dodan Barracks Correspondent for the Daily Times, and later joined Vanguard Newspapers, where he unveiled the beauty of tourism to the world. From his pioneering works, an entire generation of tourism journalists drew inspiration. In truth, the majority of Nigeria’s top tourism writers today proudly trace their professional lineage to him.
I remember vividly when I was moved from my role as Features Editor of the Nigerian Tribune and reassigned to a new desk—Tourism. For the first three months, I practically relocated to the Tribune Library, devouring every tourism article ever written by Tope Awe in Vanguard and studying the timeless columns of the late Mr. Tourism, Ebaboje Matt Da’Silva.
Eventually, I travelled to Lagos for an assignment at the Bulgarian Embassy, where I met both Tope Awe and Da’Silva in person. I prostrated publicly for Tope Awe, seeking his blessing as a newcomer to the tourism beat.
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He smiled, placed his hand on my shoulder, and prayed for me.
He said, “You will glow and prosper in this field of tourism reporting.”
Just like my mentor, Mr. Clement Ige, he also advised me to build goodwill, avoid unethical practices, and uphold integrity above all else.
From that moment, he became more than a mentor—he became a pillar.
When South African Airways sponsored journalists on a familiarization tour to the South-West, my name was first on the list—thanks to his influence. He ensured that I was consistently part of the Indaba Delegation for several years, until I was appointed to serve in Ekiti as Chief Press Secretary.
Before leaving, I introduced Prince Wale Olapade to him—so that the chain of goodwill would continue. Later, I also brought Tayo Adelaja into the fold, and he too benefitted from Tope Awe’s generosity. I even facilitated a professional relationship between him and Ayo Omotoso of Travelogue Magazine.
Truly, Tope Awe remains Nigeria’s Tourism Media Personality of the Century—a man whose influence continues to shape the industry and whose kindness opened doors for many of us.
May God bless this awesome Tourism Consultant from Aisegba-Ekiti.
Now, tell me—Is Tope Awe an evil man?
If this is evil, then may the world be filled with many more like him
