Share the article
twitter-iconcopy-link-iconprint-icon
share-icon
ArchiveJanuary 5 2009

Simon Kolawole, Nigeria

Occupation: Newspaper editor.Age: 36
Share the article
twitter-iconcopy-link-iconprint-icon
share-icon

When 36-year-old Simon Kolawole was appointed editor of one of Nigeria’s most influential newspapers, This Day, in June 2007, he was the youngest ever senior editor of a major Nigerian title.

Mr Kolawole began his career in 1993, cutting his teeth on a variety of publications. His first major achievement, however, was in 1999 when he helped to found Nigeria’s Financial Standard newspaper and became its deputy-editor. Soon after, he was appointed editor of national newspaper The Week and three months before his 30th birthday, he became editor of This Day’s Saturday edition, from where it was a short step to become editor of the daily newspaper.

Asked about what he believes is the secret of success in an African environment, Mr Kolawole replies that the trick is to turn problems into opportunities.

“A key secret is recognising that there is success to be made and value to be added in the midst of the challenges. If you see refuse everywhere, rather than complain, why not use your head? Set up a refuse collection company and become a millionaire!” he says.

He believes in working hard, but also in working smartly. “We have unlimited opportunities but some people can only see problems,” he says.

When it comes to Africa, and Africans more generally, Mr Kolawole says that if the continent is to improve its image abroad it must all boil down to good leadership. “The continent must be led by men and women who have two strong qualities: competence and patriotism,” he says. “Some are competent but not patriotic; some are patriotic but not competent. The two must go together.”

Mr Kolawole’s African hero: Thomas Sankara, former president of Burkina Faso.

“He led by example. He put his country first. He was not perfect, no way – but I don’t ever have problems with people who put the interests of the community above personal interest.”

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for your feedback!