Professor Idowu Sobowale, a respected journalism scholar and pioneer of opinion polling in Nigeria, has died at the age of 85.
His death has drawn tributes from those who knew him as a distinguished academic and a compassionate man who readily offered help to others.
In a personal tribute, a filmmaker recalled how Sobowale supported his struggling film project in the late 1990s, despite having no prior relationship with him.
The filmmaker said he had produced a documentary-drama on children who were found on the streets and allegedly suffered abuse after being detained at a juvenile welfare centre at Alakara Police Station in Lagos.
However, the project received little attention from members of the media. Some colleagues reportedly criticised the film, while others dismissed the filmmaker’s efforts.
How Sobowale Helped a Struggling Filmmaker
After nearly two years of seeking support, the filmmaker decided to approach Sobowale, who was then serving as Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Governor.
He visited the professor’s office at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa and explained the purpose of the film, leaving a VHS copy for him to watch.
When he returned, he received an encouraging response. Sobowale had watched the film, commended the project and gave him a note to the then General Manager of the state television corporation.
The note recommended that the story be considered for a series on Lagos State Television.
The filmmaker described the gesture as an important act of kindness at a time when he struggled to gain recognition for the project.
Professor Sobowale’s Humility Stood Out
The two men met again in 2010 during a filmmaking workshop for Mass Communication students at Covenant University, where Sobowale was then head of department.
According to the tribute, the professor did not initially recognise the filmmaker. After being reminded of their earlier encounter, he appeared to regard the assistance he had offered as an ordinary act of kindness.
The filmmaker also recalled that Sobowale sat among the students throughout his session and acknowledged learning from the presentation.
For him, the experience revealed the professor’s humility, despite his standing in journalism and academia.
How His Memoir Preserved His Legacy
Their later contact began around 2019, when the filmmaker encouraged Sobowale to document his professional journey in a memoir.
The idea followed an interview in which the professor reportedly spoke about starting primary school at the age of 10 and struggling academically in his early years.
The filmmaker believed Sobowale’s journey would offer valuable lessons to younger generations of journalists and students.
He continued sending regular reminders, encouraging the professor to complete the book. Sobowale eventually finished the memoir, titled Unexpected Turns, which Diamond Publications published in 2021.
The filmmaker described the book as a valuable account of the professor’s life and professional journey. He added that Sobowale had promised a follow-up memoir, although he was unsure whether it had been completed.
A Lasting Contribution to Nigerian Journalism
Beyond his personal kindness, Sobowale earned recognition for combining journalism practice with academic teaching.
He worked in the profession and taught journalism in the classroom, contributing to the development of practitioners and scholars.
The tribute also highlighted his role in introducing opinion polling to Nigeria in the late 1970s, a contribution that helped establish his place in the country’s journalism history.
As tributes follow news of his passing, the filmmaker remembered Sobowale not only for his professional achievements but also for his generosity, accessibility and willingness to encourage others.
He concluded his tribute with a farewell to the late professor, expressing gratitude for the life story he shared through his memoir and praying that he rests in the grace of God.