Gidado Shuaib, the seasoned journalist and prolific author would seem like one with an easy path but he remains one of the best lessons for every youth, aspiring journalist and media entrepreneur.
One thing I have accepted in this world is that when you have aspirations and visions, you need a mentor or a source of motivation and in most cases, this factor eventually leads to the goals desired irrespective of other features.
Interestingly, this young gem is the eldest son of prominent media practitioner, veteran journalist and forthright author, Yushau Shuaib. The man who encouraged my literary aspirations. He literally urged me to “Write. Write on anything special. Just write”. These few words have contributed to who I am today as a writer. Now I can write anything including social, political, economic, integral issues.
However, humility and friendliness has never been far from Gidado. He quickly took after the humility and simplicity of his father and always applies such qualities in his life’s endeavors.
Apparently, the News Digest newspaper, owned by him was where I was first positioned as a current affairs reporter and opinion editor.
Working under him truly guided me and in a large sense impacted in my journalistic capacity.
A contemporary of youthful awareness and inclusion in governance, Gidado Shuaib has fearlessly promoted student engagement and participation in information gathering, the convener of Campus Journalism Awards, he has been able pan out a system of grooming aspiring student journalists by providing the necessary amenities needed for such significant tasks.
As a northern media outlet, Gidado’s Youth Digest has spanned across communities in the north, organizing youth dialogues and meetings centered on unity, progress and development.
He is an indigene of Kwara state and he has left his mark in his community.
Through his writings and publications, Gidado has shown unwavering support and commitment to the development process of the average Nigerian youth.
His most notable book, Musing of Young Minds: A collection of articles by campus journalists has been as educative and inspiring to the larger Gen Z populace. Just the visualization of a young Nigerian interested in requisite information and media literacy should always excite the country.
Nigeria is currently in a crisis where many youths are lackluster and lackadaisical to national issues, but in his capacity and dedication, he has always maintained that youths are necessary in the build up of a better society.
Some accolades are not to be overlooked because the littlest efforts end up stirring up determination and development.
In a nutshell, I didn’t write the piece for the sake of flattery or the likes, I simply wrote this piece as a means of acknowledgment and appreciation. I am so much grateful knowing that Nigerian youths are on track.
Mirabel Silas 
Chinedum Anayo