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Nigerian Editors and Writers as Free Community Laborers
By Farooq Kperogi
If I get a dollar for every time random Nigerians that I don’t know from a hole in the wall want me to edit stuff (entire book manuscripts, articles, proposals, etc.) for them for free, I’d be a multimillionaire!
But seriously, what sustains the idea in Nigeria that writers and editors are complimentary communal intellectual wells from where everyone can drink?
You don’t ask a doctor to treat you for an illness for free. You don’t ask a lawyer to defend you in court for free. You don’t ask an accountant to do your taxes for free.
In fact, you don’t ask a graphic designer to design logos for you for free. Only writers and editors are expected to offer free labor—as if they didn’t spend time and money to acquire their skill or don’t require effort and time to render their services.
We creative types are probably responsible for why we’re taken for granted. We’re willing victims of what one scholar by the name of Andrew Ross calls “cultural discount” whereby “artists and other arts workers accept non-monetary rewards – the gratification of producing art – as a compensation for their work, thereby discounting the cash price of their labor.”
I used to edit for lots of Nigerians for free out of a sense of community service, but 8 out of 10 times I won’t even get a mere “thank you.” I answered people’s grammar questions by email, and 8 out of 10 times I never received an acknowledgement much less an expression of gratitude. That caused me to question what I was doing.
Contrast that to my experience in America. When even friends want me to help with editing their work, they unfailing ask how much I charge per word, and never fail to thank me afterward.
I’ve earned enough money from editing and rewriting academic articles for American scholars in my spare time that my wife and I decided to set up a small business called FAMEK Global Consulting, LLC.
Now each time random Nigerians send me those casual emails asking me to edit stuff for them, I send them the link to my rates per word. They never come back. 🤣
A few months ago, someone wanted me to edit a book containing the speeches of a governor (yes, a serving governor!) for free. I sent him my rates and said it was up for negotiation. I never heard back from him.
I have a full-time job as a professor, researcher, and father. I also have a small business that I run. Where do I have the time to edit people’s articles, books, speeches, etc. for free?
I know I speak for many Nigerian editors and writers whose learning and skills are taken for granted by several people.
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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Uncategorized
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
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