By : Isiaka Murtala Kayode
It is obvious that not everyone likes to be associated with people who are struggling and hustling to make a living. The story of Just Event Online Media is a clear example of years of struggle and commitment to the service of journalism. It shows that people often celebrate success without acknowledging the struggle behind it.
This reminds me of our days during the early years of Just Event, a Kwara-based prolific social media platform that has not only won the hearts of Kwarans and Northerners but has also gained recognition across the world through its coverage of news, community stories, entertainment, culture, sports, health, education, and many other areas.
The platform began operations nearly a decade ago, when ideas, experience, inspiration, and zeal came together in a gathering of progressive-minded individuals.
It was not a smooth journey, but dedication, perseverance, and commitment enabled the platform to stand firmly against perceived and unforeseen obstacles.
The platform came into existence following a well-celebrated wedding involving the Director of the Islamic Unit at Just Event Online Media, who received tremendous support from everyone through their physical presence. The Konibaje Committee, headed by Mr. Abdulazeez Muritala (Off London), also played an important role.
One good afternoon, everyone was showering accolades on Aiyelabegan Babatunde Abdulrasaq because the operation had initially started from his personal Facebook account before everyone eventually joined hands to establish the operational platform, JUST EVENT ONLINE PUBLICATION, after a long argument and a counter-motion.
Hmmmmmm. As supporters of Just Event, we believed the struggle had begun, but the challenge of where to get the operational tools and resources always remained at the centre of our progressive discussions.
The period between 2018 and 2019 was a testing time for Just Event, as mixed opinions trailed its operations due to the political tensions in the state.
Even some of those who see the platform today were once among those who criticised it. They called it different names and even predicted that its operation would end immediately after the 2019 election. They believed that Just Event was operating in support of the APC, but they forgot one simple principle: he who patronises your business will naturally get your attention.
“Zanto,” as some people used to address me, “go and warn your boy. Abi, you’re also working against us (PDP)?”
I replied, “I am not a card-carrying member of any political party, and Just Event is not anybody’s platform. It belongs to those who believe in it.”
It is the same way some people perceive the operation of TROVE Online Media, which I consider a second feather of Just Event.
The human side of me eventually prevailed, and I called him, Abdulrasaq, to tell him that we needed to adjust our mode of operation because people were complaining about us.
He replied, “Brother Muri, they (other parties) are not patronising us.”
I learnt that not everyone who celebrates you is your friend or wishes you well.
For the records, I remember Just Event’s outing at Ode Alfa Nda, our one-on-one interview with Hon. AbdulGafar Ayilara, Esq., and the promotional materials we produced for Omo Nla, the acclaimed son of Saheed Osupa, among others. All these and many other activities were part of our struggle to survive at the time, but it was not easy.
I remember when we always begged for little tokens, not to survive as operators, but simply to keep buying data and ensure that the operation continued.
Hmmmmmmmm, it was not moi-moi but a perceived pepper soup!
We started gaining strength and followers through commitment and the “I can do it” syndrome. The founder of Just Event, Aiyelabegan Babatunde Minsah Abdulrasaq, would always tell me, “Brother Muri, I think it’s high time we got an office.”
My response then was that it would almost contaminate the progressive idea because I looked at JUST EVENT at the time as a financially handicapped platform that could hardly afford to establish an operational office. I could not figure out where we would get the money to rent an apartment for an office, employ staff, and maintain volunteers.
But he, Aiyelabegan Babatunde Minsah Abdulrasaq, said, “Brother Muri, we will do it either through hard work or struggle.”
I concurred with him immediately because I also believed that we could do it. And I believed in his strength and commitment.
That was how we started in a self-contained room. Although it was not an easy thing, dedication made it possible.
The operation fully began with the inclusion of Mr. AbdulRasaq Kehinde, before Isiaq Abdulqadri Olayiwola, Rukayat Shittu, and one other guy whose name I can no longer remember joined us.
The struggle continued with the total zeal, commitment, and dedication of the aforementioned gurus alongside the founder, while I operated behind the screen.
To be continued…