By Odita Sunday
Trustee of the Guild of Professional Biographers Africa and renowned biographer, Dr Luke Okojie, FEAU, has charged professional biographers to uphold integrity, professionalism and ethical standards in documenting the lives and legacies of individuals.
Okojie, who is also Trustee of the International Centre for Comparative Leadership for Africans and Blacks in the Diaspora and Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Communications Limited, gave the charge in a statement issued from his office in Lagos on Friday.
He described biography as a responsibility that goes beyond writing, stressing that biographers were entrusted with the preservation of the legacy and history of their subjects.
According to him, professional biographers must resist the temptation to become praise-singers or portray their subjects as flawless individuals, but should instead document their lives truthfully and responsibly.
“When a man entrusts you with his story, he is entrusting you with his legacy. Do not handle it carelessly. A biographer is not a praise-singer, but a custodian of truth and legacy,” Okojie said.
He urged biographers to go beyond surface interviews by conducting deep and verifiable research into the backgrounds, sacrifices, challenges and achievements of their subjects.
Okojie said credible biographies should capture the realities of people’s lives and examine the impact of their contributions on their communities, rather than merely reproducing the version of events presented by the subjects themselves.
He said the most enduring biographies were those that captured authentic human experiences, including struggles, setbacks and resilience, noting that such stories could provide meaningful lessons for future generations.
The biographer cautioned his colleagues against creating “perfect gods out of men”, stressing that the humanity of their subjects should not be sacrificed in an attempt to glorify them.
He also urged professional biographers to embrace ethical maturity, confidentiality and continuous professional development as essential requirements for the profession.
Okojie encouraged practitioners to adopt modern tools and techniques, including digital archiving, documentary biography, proper citation and contemporary magazine publishing, while ensuring that their fees remained commensurate with the value of the services provided.
He said the profession should accommodate stories from all sections of society, irrespective of the social or economic status of the subjects.
“Whether you are writing about a Pastor, a Traditional Ruler, a Politician, a Businessman or a Market Woman with an inspiring story – give it your best. Every story matters. Do not despise little beginnings,” he said.
Okojie further noted that the work of professional biographers would outlive them, as the records they produce could become important historical references for future generations.
“Biography is ministry. Biography is legacy. Biography is history in advance,” he said.
He urged members of the profession across Africa to see their work as a responsibility to history and future generations, stressing that accuracy, integrity and responsible documentation must remain at the heart of professional biography.
About the Author
