The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on the media to push narratives devoted to public good as well as promote national stability.
Ganduje, who was Chairman of The Sun Awards 2024 ceremony, held in Lagos last weekend, described the media as watchdog that must safeguard public good and national suitability with decorum and decency.
To him, “the media has become an integral part of our daily lives, playing a vital role in providing information, educating the public and reporting on important events.”
He added President Bola Tinubu has been working hard to address security and global socio-economic challenges. He expressed happiness that The Sun Publishing Limited invited him to chair the event, describing it as an honour.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, noted, “today, history is being made in this hall where Nigerians and non-Nigerians are gathered to celebrate the best our country can offer.”
Ojukwu commended The Sun for sustaining the awards for over two decades, describing it as a flagship event that promotes unity, cohesion, and camaraderie.
She added, “with this prestigious awards, which I am meant to understand that the recipients are usually selected through a very rigorous selection process, The Sun has been able to celebrate and promote excellence.”
Congratulating the awardees of the 2024 edition, she urged Nigerians to focus on celebrating the country’s achievements rather than its challenges. The Chairman/Publisher of The Sun Publishing Limited, Neya Kalu, described the awards as a beacon of hope, celebrating individuals who are resilient despite the nation’s challenges.
To her, “this event shines a spotlight on individuals who rise above challenges, demonstrating the hope that defines our great nation, Nigeria.”She lauded the awardees for their courage, adding, ‘it is easy to lose sight of our dreams and aspirations amid the testing times we face. Yet, many of you have demonstrated exceptional courage. You have not allowed adversity to extinguish your spirit.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, said, “the bold decision of our Board of Editors to name two women ‘Man of the Year’ has sparked both applause and debate, with some wondering why a woman or women would be receiving an award meant for masculine gender. He disclosed the award is about recognising excellence, not gender, and challenged outdated stereotypes that limit women’s achievements.
