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Mr. Mideno Bayagbon -Veteran Journalist |
By Dew Jemima Wilson
TheLEGEND In the dynamic history of African journalism, few professionals have demonstrated the rare ability to evolve with the times while preserving the core ethics of their craft. Mideno Bayagbon stands among that distinguished class—a veteran Nigerian journalist, visionary editor, publisher, and media strategist whose career embodies resilience, foresight, and transformational leadership.
His professional odyssey began at Vanguard Newspapers, where he first arrived as an observer eager to learn. Reflecting on those formative days, he once said: “I was a mere spectator to all this. But it was not long before I got fully involved in the process of writing stories for Business, News, Literary Vanguard, Entertainment, and Features at Vanguard.” What began as curiosity quickly turned into calling. “As it turned out, it was love at first sight or encounter. A job was promised even before the internship ended; and the rest is history.”
That history matured into a remarkable 31-year romance with the publication. Starting at the Features Desk, he demonstrated uncommon versatility and analytical depth. “I soon found myself promoted as the Deputy Features Editor and Features Editor in record time,” he recalled. His rise reflected not luck but consistent excellence. Summoned by legendary publisher Sam Amuka, he was elevated to Senior Assistant Editor. Soon afterward, he became Deputy Editor to Gbenga Adefaye, while simultaneously serving as AGM/Chief Marketing Officer. The pinnacle came with his appointment as the fifth Editor of Vanguard Newspapers—an achievement that cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected newsroom leaders.
He often speaks with pride about that institution: “I am proud to be an alumnus of this outstandingly impactful medium whose four decades of existence have moulded great stars and led frontally in the efforts at creating the Nigeria of our dreams.”
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/reporter-to-editor-my-vanguard-story/amp/
From the outset, his mission was intentional: “To meet these dazzling stars of the media in Vanguard, to see them in work-related action and to learn from them in order to gain more practical experience to fulfill my dream of becoming an accomplished journalist.” Among the figures who shaped his professional worldview were some of Nigeria’s most formidable newsroom minds—Bisi Lawrence, Jimi Disu, Frank Aigbogun, Helen Ovbiagele, Doyin Omololu Okojie, Chris Okojie, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Kola Animasaun, Fola Arogundade, Ely Obasi, Jossy Nkwocha, Hakeem Ikandu, and Ogbonnaya Amadi. Meeting them initially filled him with awe, yet he soon realized the intimidation was unnecessary—the newsroom’s legends were also mentors.
But what truly distinguishes Mideno Bayagbon is his ability to anticipate change. A veteran journalist and former Editor of Vanguard, he significantly influenced Nigeria’s digital media evolution when he founded TheNewsGuru.com in 2016. At a time when many traditional editors hesitated to embrace technology, he boldly pivoted from print to digital publishing, focusing on fast, reliable online news delivery. In doing so, he successfully bridged the gap between legacy journalism and the digital age—demonstrating that innovation need not abandon tradition, but can instead elevate it.
His publishing influence extends further through Weddingguru.ng, with operations spanning Lagos and Dublin, reflecting a global outlook grounded in local relevance. Beyond journalism, his leadership thrives in corporate governance as Chairman of Titan Insurance Brokers Ltd and strategic innovation as CEO of Kingdom Media Network Inc.
Equally compelling is his intellectual commitment. A graduate of the Chief Executive Programme at Lagos Business School, part of Pan-Atlantic University, he later served as an adjunct lecturer, shaping professionals in media and communication. In both newsroom and classroom, his hallmark traits remain clarity, discipline, and insight.
Today, Mideno Bayagbon’s story stands as a masterclass in journalism excellence, media leadership, editorial mastery, digital transformation, and professional influence. His evolution from spectator to editor, from editor to publisher, and from publisher to industry trailblazer is more than inspiring—it is instructive. It reminds us that true greatness in media is not accidental; it is built deliberately through learning, mentorship, courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
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