From my experience as a journalist, journalism, especially in Nigeria’s dynamic political environment, is not for the faint-hearted. As a veteran journalist, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf spent decades holding public officials accountable, investigating corruption, amplifying marginalized voices, and interpreting complex policy issues for the public.
— Sunday Oyinloye
By Sunday Oyinloye
In a nation as vibrant, complex, and promising as Nigeria, leadership should never be confined by gender, background, or entrenched political traditions. Unfortunately that is often the case in our country, but is something that must be corrected.
As Modele Sarafa-Yusuf , a female veteran journalist steps forward to contest for governor of Ogun State, seeking to become the first elected woman to hold such office, I believe her candidacy represents more than personal ambition. It symbolises a test of our collective commitment to fairness, competence, and democratic progress.
I rarely defend any politician because politics as practiced in Nigeria is very dirty and you need to be dirty to survive in it. But Modele I know very well. I believe she should be given a chance not because she is a woman, but because her experience, perspective, and courage make her uniquely qualified to serve as a governor in Ogun State.
For decades, Nigerian politics has been dominated by familiar power structures. While women have served in appointed and legislative roles, the executive governorships have remained overwhelmingly male. This is not necessarily a reflection of women’s inability, but rather of structural barriers, limited party support, and societal biases. When a woman with a long and distinguished career in journalism decides to step into the arena, she challenges those barriers directly.
From my experience as a journalist, journalism, especially in Nigeria’s dynamic political environment, is not for the faint-hearted. As a veteran journalist, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf spent decades holding public officials accountable, investigating corruption, amplifying marginalized voices, and interpreting complex policy issues for the public.
Such experience cultivates critical thinking, resilience, and a deep understanding of governance. Unlike career politicians who may have spent years navigating party hierarchies, a journalist has observed the system from both inside and outside. She knows where it fails citizens. She understands the consequences of policy decisions on ordinary people. That insight is invaluable.
Moreover, journalists are trained to listen. Good governance begins with listening—truly listening—to constituents’ needs, fears, and aspirations.
I know some Nigerians might argue that journalism does not automatically translate into executive competence. That is true. However, governance is not a technical skill possessed only by traditional politicians. It requires vision, the ability to assemble competent teams, transparency, and moral courage. Modele Sarafa-Yusuf has these qualities.
As a seasoned journalist, she has built networks across civil society, the private sector, and government institutions. The Modele that I know understands how systems interact. She knows how to communicate clearly and manage public scrutiny. These are critical executive skills.
Besides, her candidacy will send a powerful message to young girls and women across the state and the nation. For too long talented women have been discouraged from pursuing political office due to harassment, financial barriers, and cultural expectations. Supporting her campaign is not about symbolic politics; it is about dismantling outdated assumptions that executive authority belongs exclusively to men.
Elections are about choice. Democracy loses its vitality when viable candidates are dismissed because they do not fit traditional molds. It is my candid opinion that giving Modele Sarafa-Yusuf a fair chance is in the best interest of the people of Ogun State.
Her Early Life
Modele, was born in Ibadan into the family of Alhaji Buhari Osinaike, a public servant in the old Western Region and Ogun State and Alhaja Sifawu Osinaike a textile merchant
Education
Modele Sarafa-Yusuf had her primary and post primary education in Ibadan before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in English in 1986. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos in 2002.
Modele’s Career
In 1987, Modele was deployed to Oyo state for her National Youth Service. For her primary assignment, she was posted to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan where she quickly mastered the art of television news gathering, processing and presentation; and became the first woman sports caster in Africa. She was not only the first, she distinguished herself thereby becoming an asset to the station; and not surprisingly, she was retained by NTA Ibadan after her service year. Modele was later posted to the NTA headquarters in Lagos where her presentation became synonymous with confidence and excellence. Even though she was primarily a sports caster, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf took on assignments in other areas including business, politics and crime. She was also a columnist in newspapers and magazines; and a scriptwriter for television programs in fields as diverse as culinary and education. For many years on NTA, she radiated confidence and charm which brightened many homes.
Modele Sarafa-Yusuf joined telecommunications company – Globacom in January 2004 as Senior Manager Sponsorships. In the more than seven years she was at Globacom, she helped develop the company’s sponsorship strategy, which led to increased brand awareness and subscriber loyalty; and was credited with helping to build and manage strategic relationships between the company and the media.
Later as Globacom’s Head of Sponsorships (West Africa), she worked with a team of very talented people contributing to projects such as the Glo-CAF Awards. She also led other projects such as The Lagos International Half Marathon, The Glo-Premier League in Nigeria and Ghana, and the first-in-Africa relationship with Manchester United Football Club.
She went on to become Director of Marketing of the American University of Nigeria in 2013 from which position she retired to set up Formart Multi Services Nig. Ltd, Marketing Communications consultants to several blue-chip companies.
For several years, she produced and presented the personality interview program View from the Top on Channels Television (4) .The program ran over several seasons and always featured top decision makers and elites in business, public service, politics, philanthropy, religion and royalty.
The program View from the Top later aired on Arise News Networks for a few more seasons. As Head of Lagos Operations in Arise News, Sarafa-Yusuf helped to transition the former London-based world news channel to an Afrocentric channel with a Nigerian DNA; helped recruit on-air and back-end personnel and worked with anchors, reporters, and producers on ways to make the newscast more appealing. In addition, she coached the anchors on vocal delivery, ad-lib skills, posture, and pacing. Modele continues to contribute to political discussion programs including This Day Live on Arise News
Breaking a historical barrier by electing the first female governor would be significant—but the greater victory would be choosing a leader based on merit and courage. Giving Modele Sarafa-Yusuf a chance will affirm that leadership in Nigeria is open to all who are qualified, committed, and ready to serve.
