…Set to Honour 20 distinguished journalists

The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will honour 20 iconic newsmen and women who have distinguished themselves in journalism.

Drawn from print and electronic media, the recipients were carefully selected for their long-standing achievements in the nation’s media industry.

Tagged “The NUJ Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria”, the event, slated to be held in Abuja, will take place on a date and at a venue to be announced soon.

Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said this year’s event promises to be outstanding, with recipients selected from different parts of the country.

“It will bring together major public figures, leading personalities in the media, business and entertainment, as well as top government officials,” Onayiga stated.

Two state governors who have been exceptional in media development will also be recognised for their media-friendly disposition.

“It is going to be the best-organised edition since the unique event was initiated by the national body of NUJ four years ago,” Onayiga stated.

The recognition of media icons is an annual event designed to honour veteran journalists, media owners and institutional leaders who have dedicated their lives to shaping national narratives while upholding the integrity of the Press.

This year’s event will coincide with the commemoration of 71 years since the founding of the NUJ.

The ceremony will provide a veritable platform to celebrate living legends in the media industry under the leadership of the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.

The recognition emphasises the importance of honouring journalists who have made their marks, while they are still alive, as “we celebrate the time, talent and resources they have invested in the noble profession.”

Alhassan, who described the media as “the custodian of democratic narratives”, said the recognition is one of the platforms designed to honour media giants.

Some of the past recipients include Vanguard Publisher, Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu; late Chairman of Daar Communications, Dr.Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, Pa Henry Odukomaya of Champion Newspapers; Haruna Mohammed; Ray Ekpu; Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Prof. Umaru Pate; and Prof. Tonnie Iredia.

Others are Mohammed Idris Malagi; Dr. Danladi Bako; Obong Moses Ekpo; Mrs. Agbeke Ogunsanwo; Senator Chris Anyanwu; Dan Agbese; Pa Felix Adenaike; Comfort Obi and the late John Ajayi of Marketing Edge.

Some public officials who fostered media development were also recognised. They include; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey Eno, who was honoured for his development of media infrastructure and Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, who was recognised as a “Workers and Media-Friendly” leader.

The late Pa Jola Ogunlusi; Lade Bonuola and Dare Babarinsa were among the media personalities honoured in the past editions, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye added.