In the last 26 years of unbroken news hunting, Friday Olokor has become synonymous with robust, society-uplifting journalism.
Born in Abavo, Ika South LGA of Delta State, Nigeria, his journey in education began at Ekuma Primary School, Abavo, where he received his Primary Six First School Leaving Certificate in 1981. Even from Primary Three, Olokor showcased his intellectual prowess by participating in and winning several quiz competitions organized by the then Bendel State Government.
Olokor’s passion for journalism was kindled during his secondary education at Saint Charles College, Abavo, where he graduated in 1985. A pivotal figure in his early career was his English and Literature teacher, Ndubuisi Ogbeide, a senior journalist with DAILY TIMES, who inspired him to pursue journalism.
He completed his School Certificate/General Certificate of Education (GCE), Ordinary Level in 1986. Olokor furthered his education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he became a prominent voice in campus journalism. He contributed to several critical publications and was involved in student politics, serving as Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the National Association of Ika Students (NAIS). Olokor graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A Honours) Degree in Literature in English and later earned a Masters Degree in English (Literature) from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2002.
Friday Olokor’s journalism career began to gain significant traction in the early 1990s. His first published article appeared in the NIGERIAN TRIBUNE in 1992, and by 1996/1997, he had become a well-known name in campus journalism. His professional career includes roles at The NEWS/TEMPO/PM News, National Interest, DAILY TIMES, Financial Standard, Champion Newspapers, and The PUNCH.
He joined The PUNCH on March 10, 2009, where he initially covered the judiciary. His career at The PUNCH was marked by several key assignments, including being part of the “Ekiti Bombers,” a team deployed to cover the Ekiti State governorship rerun election. His tenure at The PUNCH saw him covering a variety of beats, including politics, health, and national electoral affairs.
Olokor is perhaps best known for his investigative prowess, highlighted by his December 30, 2014 report in THE PUNCH, titled “My Certificate with Military – Buhari,” which revealed that the then-presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari did not declare his academic credentials before INEC. This report had significant political ramifications and cemented Olokor’s reputation as a fearless journalist.
In October 2023, Olokor was the only journalist from over 30 requests granted an interview with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Nigeria. This exclusive interview further established his credibility and international reach.
Throughout his career, Olokor has faced considerable risks, including detention and harassment by security agencies, particularly during his tenure covering the conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers in Plateau State. Despite these challenges, he has remained committed to delivering accurate and impactful journalism.
Olokor has continuously sought to improve his skills through various workshops and training programs. His professional development includes certifications in reporting corruption, security consciousness, development journalism, and gender-sensitive reporting. These trainings have taken him to Dubai, Australia, and various locations within Nigeria.
As of November 2023, Friday Olokor has transitioned to Arise News, an international TV news channel in Nigeria, where he continues his work on the Politics Desk.
Olokor is married and has four children. His career is a testament to his dedication to journalism and his unwavering commitment to societal upliftment through robust and ethical reporting.