By Sunday Ajibola
“Character is like smoke; no matter how hard one tries to hide it, it will always rise to the surface.”
This timeless proverb underscores a profound truth: one’s character cannot be concealed for long. Regardless of how well one pretends, life will always offer an opportunity for the true self to emerge.
Human beings — both men and women— are daily presented with chances to showcase their personal integrity. People may be born into certain ways of life, but consistency of character is not a common trait. It is a rarity, often accompanied by discipline and self-control.
And there is something undeniably beautiful about consistency — it earns you respect without effort. As the saying goes, “Let your character speak before your words.”
A Household Name with Dignity
In Ondo State, one name resonates deeply within the media landscape —Nike Busari. She is a household name, particularly among journalists and radio-television enthusiasts. Her fame is not built on noise or notoriety, but on a quiet, unshakable foundation: dignified conduct, professional excellence, and a gracious personality.
Nike commands respect from both the young and the old — not through intimidation or flamboyance, but through poise. She has carved a unique niche for herself, and in doing so, has become a model for others to emulate.
“Senior Editress” and “Bros Ajii”
I fondly recall coining the nickname “Senior Editress” for Nike during our time at the Ondo State Radio Corporation (ODRC), Oba-Ile. It was my personal response to the affectionate name she calls me to this day: “Bros Ajii.” That exchange wasn’t mere flattery; it was mutual admiration.
What’s striking about Nike is how she treats everyone with a sense of dignity. Even her younger subordinates are addressed as “Bros” — a title typically reserved for older peers. She elevates everyone, and by doing so, earns respect in return. One cannot help but reciprocate.
Grace Under Pressure
Nike has always been cool, calm, and collected. In all our years working together at ODRC and later at OSRC, I never once saw her lose her temper or raise her voice in frustration. Every challenge found her prepared. Every storm met a calm within her.
I remember the newsroom crisis that followed the exodus of Ekiti indigenes in 1996. The Newsroom was depleted, left short-staffed and overstretched. Among the new recruits, Nike stood out immediately. She would cast news in both English and Yoruba, work as a field reporter, and later excelled as News Editor, often leading entire shifts.
One of my earliest assignments was a breaking story about four thieves caught and stripped naked at Idanre Garage. I skipped church to chase the story and submitted a 21-paragraph report to her. As Duty Editor, she reviewed it and smiled, saying:
“Bros Ajii, this is a good story — but it’s too long for radio.”
She cut it down to five paragraphs. That moment redefined how I approached radio storytelling, it doused the fire I had for lengthy News reports.
Admired, Yet Untouchable
There was something about Nike that made her the subject of admiration among many of the young, unmarried men in the Newsroom. Her diligence, charm, and composure made her the quiet dream of more than a few colleagues. At least two confided in me about their desire to date her. I too, once toyed with the idea — but self-doubt held me back. How could I date my boss?
Yet, in all this attention, Nike never crossed the line. Her professionalism exuded quiet strength and humility that few could match.
Strength in Silence
In the early 2000s, Nike faced an image-damaging conflict with a senior colleague — a loud-mouthed detractor who tried to paint her as a black sheep. True to her nature, Nike maintained her silence. Not once did she retaliate or speak ill in return.
Out of concern, I summoned the courage to invite her to the Editing Suite — a subordinate inviting a superior. She came. I almost scolded her like a younger sister. She responded with calmness, saying:
“Bros Ajii, ko ri bẹe…” (meaning “It’s not like that.”)
She explained her side with grace. I was convinced. What humility, what depth of character.
The Omoluabi Spirit
Nike Busari is accommodating, friendly, humble, open, respectful, and content. In Yoruba culture, such a person is described as an Omoluabi — a well-bred individual of noble character. During the golden days of an award-winning television documentary produced by the Ministry of Information, Caring Heart, she became the rallying point for the younger members of the crew: Adeola, Debbie, Fagbe, Timi, Mac-Bio, Charles, Kehinde, and Niyi. They were drawn to her not by obligation, but by admiration and love.
A Trusted Confidante
Nike is not the type to broadcast her good deeds. She is private, trustworthy, and discrete. Whatever discussions or favours pass between her and others remain confidential. We spoke often—sometimes on personal issues — and she never turned down a question. She always gave honest, thoughtful responses.
In Power, Yet Grounded
In the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nike has always been a silent force. During the leadership of Obamuwagun and Atunbi, she was one of the “powers behind the throne,” serving as a key member of their inner circle. Yet, she never misused her access or influence. Even as Director of News and Current Affairs (DNCA) at OSRC, she remained fair, accessible, and untainted.
She marshalled the Newsroom like a Field Marshal — firm in leadership, yet never tyrannical. Even to us outsiders, Press Officers, she was fair in her dealings and generous with her guidance.
A Woman Worth Celebrating
No, Nike Busari is not an angel — angels do not walk these parts. But if character is the true credential by which a person should be honoured, then Nike deserves her flowers now and always. Her virtues outshine her flaws, and her quiet strength continues to inspire those who cross her path.
So, to you, my Senior Editress, Nike Busari, a jolly good lady of substance, I say:
Happy Birthday. Aṣeyí ṣ’ámódùn.
May you live to witness many more beautiful years in joy and fulfilment in Jesus name.
Ajibola, a journalist, writes from Akure
