Friday, 29th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

The Guardian at 35: What staffers say

By kehinde Sobowale
04 July 2018   |   4:49 pm
Since its establishment in 1983 by Alex Ibru, The Guardian Newspaper Limited has earned a prime place for itself in the African media space. Since then, it has been a trailblazer in the delivery of truthful, balance and professional journalism in Nigeria both in print and online. Much of its success can be attributed to…

Since its establishment in 1983 by Alex Ibru, The Guardian Newspaper Limited has earned a prime place for itself in the African media space.

Since then, it has been a trailblazer in the delivery of truthful, balance and professional journalism in Nigeria both in print and online. Much of its success can be attributed to the diligence and professionalism of its staff.

As the newspaper celebrates its 35th anniversary, the staff of The Guardian across departments and units has a lot to say about their experience and the journey at the company.

The news editor, Marcel Mbamalu, who joined The Guardian in 2005 said his time at the company has been interesting and rewarding, saying “it is a platform that many journalists will want to work for.”

The Guardian News Editor, Mr Marcel Mbamalu. PHOTO: Timileyin Omilana

Mbamalu said through the authoritativeness Guardian possesses, he has been able to fulfill his dreams of shaping and redirecting societal value.

The news editor noted that his love for integrity, interpretative news and in-depth analysis, truth and balanced journalism which aligns with The Guardian’s motto has kept him in the company.

Ezekiel Akhinromen said working for The Guardian has been challenging and exciting at the same time.

The Guardian’s Executive head of Circulation Department, Mr. Ezekiel Akhinromen. PHOTO: Timileyin Omilana

Akhiromen, who joined Guardian in 2016 as the head of the circulation unit, explained that restructuring of the company made the job taxing for him after some staff had left, but in a better state since then.

“It is a good platform. I’ve been able to network, meet people, and add value to events nationwide better than I have done before joining The Guardian.”

For the Chief Matron Guardian Clinic, who has worked at The Guardian for about 20years, the ‘hand of God’ is in the company.

“Thus far, it has been God. My joy is that I haven’t witnessed any death in this clinic. God has been helping us. We have not had any casualties,” said Mrs Olajumoke Atotileto.

Chief Matron, Guardian Clinic, Mrs Olajumoke Atotileto. PHOTO: Timileyin Omilana

She added that the management’s relationship with the medical department kept her through the journey and she chose to remain in the company.

A printer, Mr Bolaji Abatan, who joined The Guardian Press in 1989 said the company is model for other newspaper companies.

He added that “the society accords you respect and honour as a staff of the Guardian. Guardian gives room to her staff to gain a more formal education.”

He also cited regular payment of salaries to strides of the management, making reference to when it was closed by the military government for about 6 months in 1994, which did not stop payment of salaries.

Also, Mr. Chinedu Ogbonna, a Network Analyst who joined the company in September 2009 said: “it’s being a nice experience working in The Guardian”.

The Guardian Head, Computer Unit, Mr. Chinedu Ogbonna. PHOTO: Timileyin Omilana

“The Guardian is a brand name not only in Nigeria but also in the world. It is a name that has been in existence for long. The brand has come to stay: if you have the same vision with the publisher, you will like to work here as long as the company exists,” Ogbonna said.

He said, “What kept me in Guardian is that the company is built on a very good ground which has a prospect.”

Anthony Njoku of the logistics section described The Guardian as “a pillar to so many media house and has produced so many people that have what it takes to run the industry today.”

“I have worked for over 10 years now and my experience here has been God at work…. God is with us here. We have not recorded the death of neither any drivers nor other staff in recent times,” Njoku added.

A security officer, Christopher Chukuma said The Guardian is a very good company that gives every staff the privilege of enjoying its facilities irrespective of levels.

0 Comments