A Tribute To George Okoro, Alias Shabbaz (1936-2022)  

My father in journalism. That is what I called him. The late veteran journalist, George Okoro taught me at the International Institute of Journalism IIJ, Abuja.

Things were tough; and to survive, I used to produce handmade designer greetings cards. Oga Shabbaz, as we used to call him was a life-loving teacher. He didn’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. He simply loved to look good; and often revealed a chest-full of hair.

At some point he carried around a small comb with which he ‘touched up’ his hair every hour or so. He also had a beautiful smile. He lived in the quarters shared by staff and students of the institute and was everyone’s friend. He abhorred bad grammar.

He was spartan, ready to move at the touch of a button. Shabbaz taught us Sub-Editing and Design I and II; News Writing And Editing and Features And Editorial Writing. My lowest score in his courses was a B in Features.

* Balogun, is an Abuja based Media Consultant.