AfriPulse
Taiwo Obe-led Journalism Clinic has organised an ‘Appreciation Day’ for Nigeria’s news media elders. The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, became a perfect moment to celebrate media gladiators whose names rang a bell at a point in the country’s journalism trajectory.
From the number one on the list, who is considered the grandfather, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, founder and Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, to Ben Lawrence and Alagba Bamiji Ojo, the 70 veteran journalists, media elders, as they were tagged, represented Nigeria’s journalism of their time.
From the print to the electronic media, it was a moment of joy for the elders, who had clocked more than a thousand years of media experience.
The Director of Strategy, Lagos State Ministry of Communications and Strategy, Kayode Oyekanmi, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the organisers, saying honouring media elders is not only a celebration of history, “but also an investment in the society.”
He said under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, the administration would continue to foster unity, uphold press freedom and create opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
Referring to a preface of a July 16, 2018, post, which noted that journalists failed to celebrate themselves enough, Obe said he was inspired to think of such an event.
At a point, Dr Reuben Abati, one of the three masters of ceremonies, declared emphatically: “Journalists don’t celebrate themselves.” Obe said the statement took him back to an earlier one written by Simbo Olorunfemi. He then began the process of celebrating media elders.
He noted that when he decided that this was going to be a celebration of nostalgia, he would need to create an ambience of remembrance and a ‘good old days’ feeling. He, however, lamented the state of libraries in media houses, which he said are eyesores or have even fallen into ruin.
The ceremony also featured reflections and a mini exhibition of the works of some honourees by the Centre for Research Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD) library and museum.
Speaking of his time in Concord Newspaper, one of the celebrated elders, who is the founder, Oriwu Sun, Chief Monzor Olowosago, said he had to leave Concord to set up his paper in 1985, following what he observed of community newspapers in London.
He has been the driving force behind the paper, which is recognised as one of Nigeria’s most enduring community newspapers. The paper is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The event ended with the presentation of plaques to the media elders for what Obe said aimed at thanking the media elders for “working over the years to inform, educate, and entertain our people, with little regard for celebrating themselves.”
It attracted a host of veteran journalists such as Ogie Eboigbe, Bimbo Oloyede, who is celebrating 50 years as a broadcaster, Louis Odion, Muyiwa Adetiba, Segun, Ted Iwere, Oloruntola Sunday, Oloye Lekan Alabi, Mike Awoyinfa, Banji Ogundele, Bisi Bakare, Bamiji Ojo, Kola Animashaun, Yakubu Mohammed, Biodun Oluwole, Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Dr Bisi Olawunmi, Tunde Thompson and Dare Babarinsa, among others.
Also around to celebrate the media elders, who are 70 years and above, included the Provost of Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Gbenga Adefaye, Managing Editor of ThisDay Newspaper, Eniola Bello, Chief Executive of Brila Sports, Larry Izamoje, and Dr Kabir Garba, Editor of Weekend Guardian, among others.
Source: Guardian Nigeria | Read the Full Story…
