Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has revealed the personal and professional journey that led him to resign from his lecturing position at the University of Abuja to pursue a career in journalism.
Speaking in an interview with Sports247, Daniel described the decision as a bold but necessary step driven by passion for media and communication.
According to him, the transition came with financial uncertainty, including accepting a significant pay reduction, but he remained confident in his abilities as a broadcaster and writer.
“Before my story began as a journalist, I was a lecturer at the University of Abuja, but I left lecturing because of my love for media activities,” Daniel said.
He explained that he left his academic role, where he earned a monthly salary of ₦126,000, to work as a freelance journalist alongside Frank Ilaboya, describing the move as a turning point in his career.
Daniel noted that his confidence in his broadcasting voice and writing ability helped sustain him during the early stages of his journey in journalism. He later worked with Samm Audu, gaining further experience in online sports reporting.
After rising to become Head of Sports at Independent Television (ITV), Daniel established his own media platform, CKD Media, which he described as a defining moment in his professional growth.
His breakthrough in public service came on August 6, 2019, when Nigeria’s former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, appointed him as Special Assistant on Media.
Daniel subsequently served under other sports administrators, including former minister John Owan Enoh, before working with Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission. He is currently deployed to the office of the Director-General of the Commission.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel described his career path as a testament to the power of conviction, resilience, and dedication to one’s passion.
His story highlights how commitment to purpose can transform uncertainty into opportunity within Nigeria’s media and sports administration landscape.
