By Joseph Kingston
A seasoned journalist and media strategist with almost two decades of impactful experience in human-centered and rural development reporting, Imani Odey is seen by many veterans and media personalities as the archetype of digital media and a young woman determined to raise the bar in the journalism profession.
Many people believe she has carved a niche in using media as a tool for social justice, advocacy and governance engagement. Her dedication to public service spans two successive state administrations, where she has consistently advanced narratives of progress and inclusion.
Despite her youthful age, upcoming Journalists see her as a mentor who is inspiring a new generation of practitioners to pursue excellence and integrity. Her work has earned her numerous state and national awards, a testament to her professionalism, empathy, and diplomatic approach to contemporary societal issues.
Describing journalism as her life’s passion, Odey believes deeply in giving voice to the voiceless. She told this writer: “I have always loved to have the opportunity to speak the minds of people.”
Known for her resilience and drive, she sees herself as a “moving train, picking up speed every day”, a symbol of her constant evolution and commitment to purpose.
Her Efforts in Re-shaping Nigerian Society
Having a career is exciting and rewarding – but it can also be overwhelmingly challenging at times.
We all need a little inspiration at some point when perhaps things might not be going our way. Sometimes, we need to be reminded to open our minds and find the support and confidence to keep reaching higher.
Indeed, the inspiration that is deposited in the human spirit resonates in the mind, bearing a refined feeling and a delicate sensibility, especially as expressed in a workplace.
This sentiment, more often than not, engages our actions and gives fillip to a significant and often unexpected development. Therefore, achieving goals in life or rising to stardom have so much to do with focus, vision and determination.
Imani Odey is one professional who, though unassuming, continues to bestride the space like a dreadnought whose time was waiting for the star to rise.
Her strides so far within a short period of time has not only marked her out as a diligent professional, but has also aligned her with internationally graded colleagues who, through her special documentaries, have found in her investigative astuteness and depths of perception.
As a young woman, Imani Odey has been able to combine grits with grace: a sturdy firmness of mind and spirit and an unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger
Against All Odds, She Unveiled Archaic Practices of ‘Money Wives’
When many renowned national and international media outlets were fun fairing in their comfort zones, Imani discovered a disturbing and disgusting culture.
In 2018, she literally sneaked into Becheve, a community in Obanliku local government area of Cross River State to conduct a world class investigation which brought to the fore an archaic and an unwholesome traditional practice known as ‘money woman.’
The tradition entailed betrothing a young, even an unborn girl child to a man because of debt or marrying out a young/unborn child to a ‘husband’ who must claim her at a time of his choosing.
That documentary instantly evoked sympathy, emotions and interest, thus becoming the cynosure of media attention all over the world.
The community itself became a tourism hub where media personalities from around the globe traced their way to move the story to other levels. Today, due to the exposure the unwholesome development generated, the community leaders have brought the practice to an end.
Adventure into Bakassi Strike Force Deadly Stronghold
Reports say between 2015 and 2017, a militant group, Bakassi Strike Force effectively took control of Akpabuyo and Bakassi local government areas under the leadership of one ‘General’ Benjamin ‘Simple’ Ene (also known as G1).
The group collected levies, tolls from traders and settled disputes via their internal courts. Government officials, traditional institutions and indeed everyone cowed in fear. It was suicidal to access the headquarter camp of Benjamin Ene and his daring gun-throttling young men at Esighi community.
As the nightmarish development continued without any solution in sight, Imani Odey came out with a mind-boggling investigative masterpiece on Bakassi Strike Force activities, after interviewing Benjamin Ene right in the dreaded camp.
Her report was like an outbreak of light in a dark tunnel. It spurred both the security force and the state government into action. This culminated in the introduction of amnesty for the militants. Today, the people of the two local government areas now sleep with their two eyes closed.
Her Roles in Remedial Works on Collapsed Calabar/Odukpani/Biase Roads
Having been familiar with the deplorable state of the Calabar/Itu and Calabar/Biase federal roads which were death traps to commuters, Imani Odey came out with a special report which helped in drawing the attention of the state government.
As if by magic, the government wasted no time in carrying out remedial repairs on the roads, and this did not only save souls, but also revived the economies of the affected areas.
It would not be out of place to submit that Imani Odey has highlighted Cross River State with her talent, experience and excellent dispositions.
The Lady, Imani Odey
A native of Bekwarra in northern Cross River State, Imani holds a degree in Theatre and Performing Arts from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Her foray into broadcast journalism began during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Sokoto Network Centre, a formative period that launched her into the national media landscape.
Following her NYSC, she was employed by NTA and served as Government House Correspondent in Calabar for three years before joining Channels Television to broaden her professional horizons. Her journalism has not only informed but also transformed lives and policies.
Imani also embodies the value of consistent human capital development: currently, she’s undergoing and conducting postgraduate studies/research at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar where she is honing her skills in the field of Development Communication.
The former governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, having discovered her canny habitude, appointed her the Special Adviser on Electronic Media, a job she did with passion and distinction.
It is therefore not surprising that Gov Bassey Otu has retained her even as the State government continues to bring on board professionals in the media industry capable of expounding activities of the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
Imani Odey, now on leave of absence from Channels television, is regarded as an asset whose value to both the government and her immediate community cannot be estimated.
Joseph Kingston is the Chief Operating Officer of PillarToday newspaper.
