In the world of celebrity journalism in Africa’s most populous black nation in the world, his name rings a familiar tune. He is humble, intelligent and possesses global media networking among the high-and-mighty. His name is Kunle Hamilton, a graduate of journalism who holds a doctorate degree (PhD) in media and human communication. A widely travelled seasoned journalist with three doctoral research works sold on Amazon, he’s committed to making gospel resources available to Christians in textual, visual and audio forms. He is the President, ShaddaiVille Ministries International, registered in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States, and Germany. In this interview with AKIN SOKOYA, this pioneer editor of The Glitterati bares it all. Enjoy:
What inspired you to establish Glitterati, the colourful 24-page pull-out in ThisDay Newspaper?
It’s a long story that speaks to both the daring ingenuity of the publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and myself. After editing the fashion pages of ThisDay on Saturday for two years or so, I was promoted Editor of the same newspaper. In one month, I changed the paper’s political orientation to fashion and entertainment, and not surprising, the title outran our flagship paper, ThisDay on Sunday in sales. Everyone, but I was shocked. However, the publisher wanted to retain the political orientation of the Saturday paper. I was given a brand-new official car, told to proceed on vacation (which was overdue in three years) and to create a newspaper title to add to ThisDay Group. That is what gave birth to The Glitterati, and it was an instant hit that raised the circulation figures of ThisDay on Sunday by 10,000 copies.
Do you know by that feat you became one of the pioneers of Society Journalism in a national publication in Nigeria?
This remark is quite humbling, thank you. Prior to my time in ThisDay, it all began in Vanguard newspaper when I ran a society column named ‘People’ which was modelled after a similar column in the Daily Mail newspaper in the United Kingdom. I also must acknowledge a senior colleague who taught me the ropes-Tony Okonedo whose column, ‘Towntalk’ preceded mine. By the time I crossed over to ThisDay and finally birthed The Glitterati, we had completely upgraded the language, style and focus of society or soft journalism in newspapering in Nigeria.
Did foreign media influence you to establish The Glitterati?
Yes and no. There is no shame in admitting the influence of anything or anyone that has shaped any project in one’s hands. My publishers in Vanguard and ThisDay had encouraged me to subscribe to foreign papers, which helped my team and I to adopt and adapt their depth and diversity of news. But in terms of content, form, style and editorial direction, The Glitterati was intentionally original.
Can you take us through some of your evergreen memories in ThisDay as then Editor of The Glitterati?
I recall with nostalgia the novelty The Glitterati brought into the market and its instant success. For the first few weeks of its launch as a 24-page insert in ThisDay-on-Sunday, the newspaper sold out everywhere in the country; not a copy came back unsold. All my colleagues were stunned. Some rejoiced with me. And then one day, management felt that The Glitterati should be sold independent of the Sunday newspaper. Radio and TV adverts were placed, announcing the bold move. We increased to 32 pages, and when Sunday came, both titles went their separate ways on the same day. It was a disaster for the parent paper. By Tuesday afternoon, over half of the Sunday circulation was returned in bundles. An emergency ‘war-room’ meeting was held in the publisher’s office; we went back on air to place adverts by midweek: “Your favourite Glitterati goes back into ThisDay-on-Sunday by popular demand!” I was awed by the success of my own creation.
What were the breaking points that made you dump journalism for pastoral job?
Unlike many other folks equally called to serve God as pastors, I didn’t suffer any breaking points. Even while I was in Vanguard newspaper, I was already pretty much broken for the Lord. But my academics and career were a big pull for me. Despite that, I wasn’t disobedient to God in anyway. Instead, I tried hard to balance both my secular and spiritual sides. Honestly, both complemented each other in my own case. When I resigned in 2006, one of the big reasons for me was a big morality issue that preyed on my conscience: I didn’t feel comfortable with not being able to give my all to the business of newspapering because of my growing commitment to my congregation. Nineteen years on, I must say that I have no regrets at all. God has been good to me.
Can you take us through your experience so far in the Christian ministry?
As President, ShaddaiVille Ministries International, which is registered in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and Germany, God has helped us to train over 4,000 souls in basic Christian leadership, discipleship and teenagers’ growth principles. We have been doing this in all four countries of the world free of charge since 2009. ShaddaiVille started in 2003. Our leadership graduates have globally recognised certificates of the ShaddaiVille Leadership Academy (UK). I am also the Shepherd in Charge of our twin ministry – the Celestial Church of Christ, PraiseVille – which started in Berlin, Germany and is also up and running in Lagos, Nigeria.
Do you have regrets quitting society journalism?
No. Journalism and my doctorate degree in media and human communication continue to buoy me up in the ministry as well as my business as a consultant.
Considering the spiteful gossip that have affected some religious institutions, do you think the media have a role to play in holding religious leaders accountable?
Accountability is the virtue of every responsible leader and whether we like it or not, the media exists to speak truth to power as well as report truth that breaches public trust. However, truth is different from gossip and religious leadership is more intricate and sensitive than most other kinds of leadership. Churches and mosques aren’t as public as political offices or publicly quoted businesses, yet Faith houses also run on very deep trust, which once broken, can scatter such organisations. So my recommendation is that the media should desist from publishing rumours or gossip about religious leaders or organisations due to their extra-sensitive nature. But once thorough investigation of a story reveals any breach of public trust, those involved must be confronted with such truth so that they have a chance to tell their own truth before anyone rushes to publish anything.
Was there one celebrity story you reported that has resonated most deeply with you on a spiritual level?
Indeed two stories come to mind. I once had on three consecutive covers of Glitterati the sizzling romance and bitter ending between a popular Erelu and equally popular former petroleum minister, late Tam David West. My publication sold out in three straight weeks. But it taught me a bitter truth, when things get irreconcilable between lovers, depending on who hurts the most, spirituality is thrown to the dogs, and deep secrets can be weaponised against each other. The second story is that of a very rich and popular federal minister whose media mileage I orchestrated with great precision and extreme success. But on two major occasions, God used me to prophesize deep catastrophic warnings to that federal office holder. Unfortunately, my prophesies fell on deaf ears, and till date the story is ‘how are the mighty fallen’. So as a Pastor, I take extra care not to breach my followers’ trust or disappoint God in my assignment of bridging the gap between humanity and divinity.
We often paint a picture of the wonderful blessings of being called to Ministry, yet there are challenges involved. What is your own spiritual story in this regard?
God has been extremely kind to me. As a journalist, I was very modest and I disciplined my desires – no luxuries, just basics. I transited to media consulting and made significantly more money. So with a very supportive wife, Taiwo, whose fashion and consumables enterprise also flourished, we were able to give our children private education up to tertiary and international levels. God also gave us three very brilliant children and we are proud grandparents already. My pastoral calling ran side by side with my career as a journalist 70 percent of the way. So yes, I deal with challenges too, but I testify to the fact that when God calls you into Ministry and you labour with obedience and integrity, every divine vision is backed by divine provision.
As a Christian shepherd, people will expect you to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please, share your routine in the Lord’s vineyard.
Ha! My routine is tough but not rough. Over the decades, I have raised some exceptional disciples who are now scattered around the world in different time zones, and many of them still lean on my counsel and prayers as their family pastor. To this end, my media career somehow prepared me for this gruesome routine. My church life still demands my attention around the clock but I leverage technology and my committed deputies, lieutenants and a workforce I have raised and trained to carry on the thinking, strategy and execution of missions with or without me.
The success of a Christian Ministry is often measured by how many people attend the service. Why is that so?
In reality, this is both lateral and vertical as well as physical and virtual when one is able to deploy technology for message and people management. Even the Holy Bible in the book of Proverbs confirms that there is no meaningful kingship when a kingdom disintegrates. Church is about soul-winning, nurturing and preparing for heavenly living here on earth as well as being able to make it to Heaven when we all die. So it is about people. However, a Pastor must know his capacity and limits; not everyone is called to lead a mega church otherwise you will end up with a ‘maga church’ which God will hold you to account for.
Do you have plans to produce newsletters or write articles to win souls for God being a journalist?
I already have three doctoral research works sold on Aamazon and I am committed to making gospel resources available to Christians in textual, visual and audio forms till my time is up. So, help me God. Amen.
Kunle Hamilton is a popular name that opens doors as famous celebrity journalist. Do you miss those moments?
I dare say there is nothing I need now that God’s grace doesn’t put within my grasp. It was after I quit paid journalism that I consulted for three African presidents, a three-time federal minister, an embassy, two universities and a multinational dairy company, among others. I have been divinely blessed and very contented.
Do you have plans to someday float your own Christian newspaper in the country?
Yes, that is a great thought I have been toying with. But right now, my teaching, training and pastoral juices seem to dwarf my love for reporting. Let’s just say: Never say never!
