By Dayo Babalola Esq
At 60, some men are remembered for what they achieved. Others are revered for who they became. But every now and then, you meet someone who embodies both effortlessly, consistently, and over time. Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju is one of such men.
To many Nigerians, he is the familiar face and steady voice on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC Communications, a programme that has grown into a trusted space where national issues are not just discussed, but interrogated. Over the years, viewers have come to expect a certain depth, a certain boldness, and a certain clarity whenever BKO is on air. He doesn’t just host conversations; he shapes them.
But beyond the television screen, beyond the sharp analyses and fearless commentary, is a man many people don’t fully see but deeply feel.
Born into royalty as a Prince and proud son of the Akinrin of Ekinrinland, BKO has carried that heritage with quiet dignity. Yet, what stands out is not just where he comes from, but what he has made of himself. He has built a reputation anchored not on title, but on substance, on intellect, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to truth.
His journey in journalism has not been accidental. It is the product of years of hard work, discipline, and an almost stubborn dedication to doing things the right way. Long before he became the Director of News at TVC, he has influenced not just stories, but people, raising a generation of journalists who understand that credibility is earned, not claimed. In a media landscape where lines can easily blur, BKO has remained remarkably clear about where he stands. And he stands firmly on truth.
That stance has not always been the easiest. Speaking truth to power rarely is. It attracts admiration from some and criticism, even hostility from others. But if there is one thing that defines him, it is consistency. Whether popular or not, convenient or not, he says what needs to be said. That courage is what has earned him the respect he commands today.
Yet, for all the public recognition, there is a softer, more personal side to him. Anyone close to him would speak about him with quiet admiration. A kind-hearted man with a very generous spirit and a mentor who gives his time, his knowledge, and sometimes even more, without seeking attention for it. A family man who holds his loved ones close and values relationships deeply.
Interestingly, his influence goes far beyond Nigeria. There are moments that capture this better than any formal accolade could. As a diasporic Nigeria and ine of those close to him, i have had the privilege of walking through the streets of London with him a number of times and each occasion feels less like an ordinary stroll and more like moving with a figure people genuinely connect with. Strangers both Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike recognised him, approached him, wanted a word, a handshake, a picture. It is not just fame; it is familiarity. It is trust built over years of showing up as himself, consistently.
For Ekinrin-Adde, Okunland, and Kogi State, BKO is more than a prominent figure. He is a source of pride. A man whose achievements have carried the name of his community far and wide. His recognition and induction into the Omo Atata Hall of Fame of Ekinrin-Adde speaks not just to his professional success, but to his enduring commitment to his roots.
At 60, often described as the Diamond Jubilee, his life tells a compelling story; a story of resilience, of growth, and of purpose. Like a diamond, formed under pressure and refined over time, he has emerged with a clarity and brilliance that cannot be ignored.
And yet, what makes this milestone even more remarkable is the sense that he is still in motion asking the tough questions, holding the line and lending his voice where it matters most. There is more to say. More to do. More impact to make. And in doing so, may his journalistic ink never run dry.
Happy 60th Birthday, Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
Nigeria celebrates you, Ekinrin-Adde is proud of you. I am very proud to call you my egbon and thank you for bringing me into your circle. I know that your story is still being written and history will continue to be kind to you. Happy birthday PBKO.
Dayo Babalola Esq
