Speaking at a virtual conference organised by Top Achievers Network to commemorate his 80th birthday, Sobowale observed that though journalism is not a flamboyant profession, its importance to the development of any society cannot be overemphasised.
According to him, “it is very interesting to note that people go to study mass communication but they don’t have the flair. So, if you must become a journalist, you must study and have the flair. We must also make a distinction between who is a journalist and who is not. The man who is sharing information does not qualify to be a journalist. There is a code of ethics for our guidance. There are things a medical doctor will not do that a herbalist will do.
In another celebration held virtually at his Lagos residence, with communication scholars, family members and well wishers in attendance, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said, “I cannot tell my story without Prof. Sobowale and I’m glad it’s a story of success today. I remember I came to your office and told you that I’m going on a road to nowhere but you told me that I’m going on a road to somewhere.
“I dragged Prof. to Olabisi Onabanjo University. When we got there, things were different from what we were used to in LASU. One of our colleagues was in charge of compiling the results but she made a mess of it. There were lots of problems and the Senate was ready to dismiss this young lady. We were all afraid. Prof. did not say anything. We followed him to the Senate meeting and we sat. Then Prof. said I take responsibility for everything that has happened and that ended all the noise.
President, Unilag Mass Communication Alumni Association , Mr. Vincent Oyo, stated, “we are happy that he turned 80. Outside of his nuclear family, he is part of us. The reason that he is part of us and we are part of him is because he himself passed through the Unilag. To represent UMCAA properly, students put together their thoughts as at the time they interacted with him that was published on his behalf and the title is: “The truth about Idowu Sobowale.
Who want to be a journalist in Nigeria that know only how to violate the rights of the journalists and in some cases kill them. Who want to die for such a job that he will never be remembered for.
Toh