By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A Canada-based Nigerian publisher, Mr. Austine Uche Ekeje, has publicly acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Founder and Publisher of KosofePost, Mr. Bilesanmi Abayomi, popularly known as KOKO, in the revival of his digital news platform over the years.
Ekeje made the acknowledgement in his newly published book, East or West, Home is the Best: The Diasporan Story, now available on Amazon. On page 127 of the 179-page publication, the author detailed how Abayomi’s intervention led to the rebirth of Agenda Papers, his online media platform.
According to the excerpt, the revival followed an interaction at a meeting of the Association of Community Media Practitioners of Nigeria (APCOM).
“The revival of Agenda Papers was facilitated by my colleague, Mr. Bilesanmi Abayomi, publisher of Kosofe Post. After one of our APCOM meetings, he suggested that I start a website since I already had a strong Facebook following. I accepted, and within months, a brand-new website was launched to continue my mission, to inform, educate, entertain, and champion the cause of justice and equality for the common man,” the book reads.
Reacting to the recognition, the UK-based KosofePost publisher described the book as an insightful guide for immigrants and a must-read for Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora.
He noted that East or West, Home is the Best: The Diasporan Story skillfully blends education and storytelling, offering a reflective account of the migrant experience, capturing the excitement, discovery, courage, and, at times, the quiet emptiness that accompanies life abroad.
According to Abayomi, while living overseas often exposes immigrants to opportunities, efficiency, and functional systems, it also highlights the emotional strain of separation from one’s homeland, familiar environment, and cultural identity.
Observers say Ekeje’s acknowledgement sheds light on some of the behind-the-scenes contributions of Bilesanmi Abayomi in supporting community media practitioners both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. This comes amid his recent announcement of a Free Digital Empowerment Initiative slated for 2026, which aims to support 1,000 Nigerians with fully sponsored professional websites for one year.
The development further underscores growing collaboration within Nigeria’s community media ecosystem, strengthening ties between local practitioners and those in the diaspora.