Life In The Fourth Estate

Omotola Aderinsola

I reside in the fourth estate of the realm.
News hound, multimedia journalist, that’s me.
Wear the badge with dignity, responsibility.
Didn’t get here by chance, carefully chose my trade
Had shots at being an actress, fashion designer,
film director or publicist, chose journalism.

The Nigeria Television Authority was my first rodeo.
Cut my journalism teeth in the heart of the Savannah.
Nineteen, fresh-faced, hungry for knowledge.
Soaked in everything hungrily like a sponge.
Was christened journalism’s generation next
Lived up to the billing, felt I found my place.

Twenty frustrating years down the line, here I am,
thirty days of work is gone, not a pay cheque in sight.
And it’s business as usual, like it’s not happening.
The executive, legislature pay themselves crazily.
The judiciary grumbles but gets its fair share
Life in the fourth estate is skewed and hellish.

We are gate keepers of our society’s values,
nurturers of its conscience, defenders of the republic.
But how will that happen on an empty stomach?
Journalists of integrity are bought over by graft.
Some bent on the straight and narrow trade jobs.
Leaving the fourth estate to the dregs of the pool.

The Nigerian media is like a child of incest.
Broadcast licences shared over shots of whiskey.
Media shops set up on self-pride, political clout.
Should have thought of being an actress,
fashion designer, film director, or publicist.
Thought twice about following my dream.

I’m diligent, fabulous, spectacular at my job.

Even dreamt of raising an army like me.
Hunger pangs are slowing me down.
Tempted to vacate the fourth estate too.
But that’s not happening soon.
I’m in this for the long haul!

Omotola is the National Head of News, Silverbird Communications Limited. June 2019