The WORD, February 2, 2026
(Publication of Journalists for Christ International Outreach)
In a tribute following his death last week, the former Editor-in-Chief of the defunct African Concord magazine, Lewis Obi, was remembered by his former reporter, Babafemi Ojudu, as a man who belonged to a generation of editors who saw journalism as a calling, not merely a career.
“He shaped writers without spectacle, mentored without theatrics, and enforced standards without cruelty.
“To describe him merely as my boss would be inadequate; he was a formative presence—one of those editors whose influence lingers long after the newsroom lights have gone out,” Ojudu said.
Ojudu, a former co-founder of The News magazine, senator, and former political adviser, noted that Obi’s legacy went far beyond titles or positions.
This tribute underscores the need for media managers, and indeed anyone entrusted with leadership, to carry out their responsibilities in a way that ensures they are remembered not only for how well they performed their duties, but for how humanely they led.
In 1 Peter 5:1–4, the Apostle Peter urges elders in the church to care for the flock of God entrusted to them, not because they must, but because they are willing, as God wants them to be.
He admonishes them: “Do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock” (Daily Walk Bible, verse 3).
Like church elders, media managers and team leaders should see their roles not merely as professional assignments, but as a calling—just as Mr Obi is remembered.
They are to see their subordinates as God’s flock, not their own; to lead out of eagerness to serve rather than obligation; to be concerned with what they can give, not what they can gain; and to lead by example, not by force, as explained in the New International Version (NIV).
When leaders carry out their responsibilities according to God’s will, 1 Peter 5:4 offers this assurance:
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (DWB)
May God grant newsroom leaders the grace to do their jobs in in ways not only appreciated by men during and after their tenures, but acceptable to God who called us into the profession.
The WORD is a weekly devotional publication of Journalists for Christ International Outreach. www.journalistsforchrist.org
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