As Habib Aruna celebrates his 60th birthday, he reflects on a life journey characterized by adventure, resilience, and remarkable achievements. With a career spanning over three decades in journalism, Habib has established himself as a respected voice in Nigeria’s media landscape. His storied tenure as Sunday Editor of Daily Independent newspapers and Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode underscores his dedication to truth, accountability, and good governance.
In this exclusive interview, Habib shares his most cherished accomplishments, lessons learned from his experiences in the corridors of power, and his aspirations for the next chapter of his life. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, consistency, and hard work, offering sage advice to the younger generation.
Habib’s passion for a better Nigeria is evident as he discusses the country’s potential, hindered by self-serving politicians and a lack of accountability. His commitment to journalism and public discourse remains unwavering, driven by a desire to promote transparency and credible elections.
Through his responses, Habib’s personality shines – a man who lives life to the fullest, enjoying good music, travel, and reading. His humility and gratitude are palpable as he acknowledges the influences of role models like late Bola Ige and Wole Soyinka.
Read on the inspiring and insightful conversation HabibLive (as his fondly called) with Ishola Balogun
What does this milestone birthday mean to you?
I feel fulfilled. When I look back, I thank God for a journey that has been adventurous, thorny, yet successful. I thank God for all the favors and the grace to reach this milestone, even as I face the remaining years of my life. That’s why I decided not to let it pass without celebrating. The celebration, however, is mainly to thank God for His mercies and blessings. God has been kind to me; I have been a very lucky man. You see my friends all around me celebrating me; this is just the tip of the iceberg of what will be rolled out on Saturday (today). It’s certainly a thing to be happy about. Sixty years of life is no joke, especially looking 20 years younger. So, alhamdullilah for a good life. I pray God continues to give me good health and happiness for the rest of my life. I also pray for my children, that I may be proud of them.
Looking back, what is the one accomplishment you’re most proud of?
When I was growing up, I had always wanted to be a journalist. But through patches and hurdles, I eventually became the Sunday Editor of Daily Independent newspapers in 2013. I can proudly and happily say that has been one great achievement I will never forget in my life. I was a political reporter, and to have had that trajectory – a very smooth one indeed – from Political Correspondent to Assistant Political Editor, then Regional Editor, back to Political Editor, then Group News Editor, rising to Deputy Editor, and eventually Sunday Editor. At that point, I knew I had reached the pinnacle of my profession. It’s a great thing to be a top journalist in this country.
The second accomplishment was when I became the Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
I was indeed lucky because I resigned from Daily Independent on October 17, 2014, basically due to a disagreement I had with the Managing Director. He reassigned me to a different desk, and I felt that wasn’t right for me, so I resigned. In life, you have to take risks to face challenges. If you stay too long in your comfort zone, you can’t make it in life. You must be ready to take risks. It was that risk I took that earned me my freedom and happiness. At that time, I had no premonition I would be appointed as CPS by Governor Ambode. But I believed in myself. I don’t look at things negatively. I believe that if you work hard, you will never lose.
Working in the corridors of power, closely with Governor Ambode, afforded you the paraphernalia of power. What does power mean to you?
I came in as a journalist speaking truth to power. My colleagues know me well; I speak truth to power. I always tell them that politicians can be held accountable. Those politicians I worked with know me – David Mark, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (now the First Lady), I worked closely with Lai Mohammed, and others. So, when I became CPS, I wasn’t new to speaking truth to power. All the conditions I gave were met. He graciously said, “My friend, come and work to move the state forward.” I always believe power should be used effectively to better people’s lives and conditions. State governors are powerful; after the President, who is the head of state, the most powerful is the Lagos State governor. Former Governor Aregbesola called Ambode the Governor-General. The governor of Lagos State is indeed powerful. But I never took for granted my closeness and unfettered access to him. Rather, I used that to advise him, and happily, he heeded my advice.
Do you have any regrets working with him, or if given the chance to work with him again, would you hesitate, considering what people and other politicians say about him?
No regrets. He is my boss forever. Since I worked with him, my life has never been the same – beyond material or financial gains. The way he organizes himself is wonderful. He’s an administrator par excellence – a very hardworking and goal-getter governor. Ambode is very organized. Look at how he ran the state; his achievements in four years are yet to be beaten. By 3 am, he’s already in his office working. He’d call and ask, “My friend, where are you, and what are you doing?” He’s a man with great vision for the state – very pragmatic and knew where he was going, and the state was better for it when he left. So, I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again. But you know I’m 60 now; there are some things I can no longer do. Whoever offers me anything now should consider my age. I can’t be an errand boy to anyone again.
So, that leads me to ask what your hopes and aspirations are for the next chapter of your life. Are there any new pursuit?
I am a journalist, and I will always remain a journalist. As a patriot, I believe Nigeria should be better than it is today. Nigeria is not well-run. We can’t continue to deceive ourselves. Nigerians have potential, but the politicians are not doing well. There are many capricious, rapacious, and parasitic elements in Nigeria. They are not looking toward the future. Look at the last election in Edo State; it shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair. Let us consider the interests of the common man in having a better life. If any politician rigs their way into power, they will never be accountable. For us to have good governance, we must ensure accountability. Therefore, there must be transparency and accountability. If elections are credible, anyone elected will surely be accountable to the people. To ensure a good democracy, we must have good, free, fair, and credible elections. I thought the politicians had learned their lessons, but what we saw in Edo shows they have not learned anything; unfortunately, Nigeria and democracy will suffer for it.
Do you have aspirations along that line, any ambition?
No, I can’t be a politician. I cannot operate as a politician in this kind of environment. I am a journalist and a businessman. I only strive to make money for a good living. My children are doing well. I have two graduates, and the last three are in university. I have an online platform, and I sometimes engage in public discourse for a better Nigeria.
Who are those that have influenced you? I mean your role models?
Many people have influenced me. These include the late Bola Ige. I was raised in Ibadan, and I looked up to Bola Ige and Wole Soyinka. If you go to my place, Baba’s Corner, Wole Soyinka’s picture is everywhere. Also, the late Doyin Mahmud, who brought me to Daily Independent, has been a great influence.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy myself; that is why they call me HabibLive. I live life to the fullest. I enjoy good music, I take walks often, I like traveling as well, and I read a lot.
What advice would you give to the younger generation?
I would advise them to be disciplined and consistent in what they do. Hard work is a sure way to success. No lazy person makes it in life. You must know what you want and plan for the future. You cannot skip the queue; you have to pay your own dues. You must follow each stage of life with consistency, and then you will get there. There are no two ways about it. If there is a will, there is a way. Man will always face challenges, but you must strive to overcome them. You cannot have a smooth path all the way; there will always be challenges. It is natural. If there are no challenges, then you are not from this planet. Challenges will come, and when they do, you must face them forcefully. With discipline, consistency, and hard work, you will reach the top.