Our Face Of The Week for this week is Samuel Olomu, a 300-level law student at Lagos State University. He is a student journalist and a columnist with write-ups and reports that have been featured in leading Nigerian newspapers and online news media such as Punch Newspaper, Sahara Reporters, Nigerian Tribune, Guardian Newspaper, The Cable.
Samuel is also Business-Tech Contributor for ITWeb, a Business-Tech Company in South Africa, the regional news Curator for LawVerse Magazine and the Founder and Editor-in-chief of LASU Conscience; a media outlet known for its credibility and objectivity in Lagos State University.
Compiled by Lkite Fanibuyan Ayomide Samuel
Interview
LK: What is your biggest motivation for studying law and what makes you develop interest in journalism?
FOTW: The main motivation behind my study of law is the quest for equality, equity and justice. I hate people being cheated. I don't like it, it goes to my brain. So, on the aspect of journalism, the passion came from my Secondary School days when I was being celebrated for my artistry, my inspirational poems, and the write ups then. I just believe I could do better. I just believe I could step up. I believe I can trade on a national level. I might not be there yet but I'm nearer.
LK: What are your hobbies?
FOTW: I read, I write and press my phone.
LK: Do you intend to practice law? And what area of law would you go for?
FOTW: Hmmm, for this question, I can't say yes, I can't say no. I just have to answer it to suit both directions. I'm in a state of dilemma. Law is good and Samuel Olomu is a law student. I mean I wanted to study law and I'm currently doing that but when I landed in LASU, perspectives began to change, I experimented with the art of journalism and it's really interesting. It has opened so many doors for me.
But, if I will practise law in the long run, I will settle for litigation.
LK: Since you take interest in law and journalism, do you have any role models? (Both in law and journalism)
FOTW: I sincerely don't have a role model for now. I motivate myself, I push myself and I'm getting the desired results. However, I'm always open to mentorship. I learn from people that are above me in the profession and I think that's enough.
LK: As a student and a columnist who has written many published works on many popular media outlets, how were you able to get this opportunity which I believe many people would also wish to have?
FOTW:I mentioned earlier that I started while I was in secondary school. I had my first publication on a news platform while I was in SS3. It was a whole lot of motivation for me. Then, I will always write an article everyday, mail it to all newspapers but will not have a single appearance. But then, I was not deterred from the bigger picture I was looking at. I still did not stop. But so many persons will not see the result in two attempts and quit.
Life is a process, I try to understand the game, learn from my mistakes, understand the process, connect people and I became a viral writer.
LK: What can you say about the recent decision of the Presidential election petition tribunal in respect to the petition against the victory of President Bola Hammed Tinubu in the last Presidential election?
FOTW: It is anything the judiciary says it is. I should not concern myself with this. Ordinarily, I should but I will manage not to.
LK: Relationship status?
FOTW: Single.
LK: What next should we be expecting from you as far as writing is concerned?
FOTW: Some steady progression and more achievements.
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