Alhaji[1] Ismail Babatunde Jose OFR[2] (born in Lagos on 13 December 1925, died 2 August 2008[3]) was a Nigerian journalist and newspaper editor.
Nigeria became independent in 1960, and Jose benefited from a policy of Africanisation: he "was appointed the company's first African managing director in 1962, becoming chairman as well in 1968".
[1] According to The Independent, he shaped his trainees and graduates "into irreverent reporters and columnists who could deflate the egos of the pompous politicians and military men who ruled the country", though he "eschewed partisan politics".
[2] Following a coup in 1975 by General Murtala Mohammed, the Daily Times was forced to sell 60% of its shares to the government, and Jose was "eased out", departing a year later.
[1] From 1976 onwards, he pursued a career as "a businessman and media guru, holding such positions as chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority".