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Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Adviser on Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has taken swipe at activist Omoyele Sowore over allegations surrounding foreign funding.
Olayinka accused Sowore of misusing grants collected in the name of journalism development, particularly funds reportedly received from the MacArthur Foundation.
He alleged that despite receiving over a million dollars, there is little or no evidence that Sowore actually used the money for the stated purpose.
“Look at the money Sowore has collected from MacArthur. Within three years, he collected $1.3 million to train journalists. You are a journalist, give me the names of your colleagues that Sowore organised training for,” Olayinka queried.
He went further to question Sowore’s credibility, pointing out that the activist also runs a platform said to be dedicated to protecting journalists.
According to Olayinka, there is no clear record of any journalist that Sowore has defended or supported through such initiatives.
The media aide argued that Sowore’s public image as a fearless activist does not align with his alleged track record in handling donor funds. He described the activist’s campaigns against Wike as hypocritical, stressing that those who raise accusations must also account for their own dealings.
Olayinka maintained that Nigerians deserve transparency from all public figures, whether in government or activism, and called for closer scrutiny of how international donor funds are managed within the media sector.
