Last week, media professionals from across Nigeria converged in Lagos for the third edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Milestone Recognition of Media Icons. The event, themed “Media Legends: Shaping Narratives, Inspiring Generations,” attracted high-profile guests, media executives, and newsroom professionals from various parts of the country.
The speakers at the event noted the importance of honouring media legends while they are alive, taking into account the time, talent, and resources these individuals have invested in the profession.
They noted that these media figures have withstood the test of time, overcoming challenges and should be celebrated for their enduring contributions.
NUJ President Chris Isiguzo announced during his speech that this year’s Media Icons Award would be his final ceremony as leader as he prepares to step down as a new president who is expected to take over in November.”
Isiguzo, reflecting on the critical role of the media, described it as the “heartbeat of democracy,” stating, “It is the voice that ensures accountability and transparency in governance. We are the watchdog of the public interests; we hold power to account. We are not just journalists. We are custodians of a nation’s narrative. We must continue to share that narrative with integrity, with hope and with commitment to the values that bind us together as Nigerians.”
While addressing the award recipients, Isiguzo added, “Today is your day. You are the champions of this noble profession. You are the pillars on which the integrity of journalism in Nigeria stands. You have, through years, been the voices of reason, the narrators of truth and the torch bearers of our democracy. It is an honour for us to celebrate you today, not just for what you have achieved but for the standards you have set for all of us to emulate. Your contributions will echo through the corridors of our profession for generations to come.”
He also called for a shift towards solutions or developmental journalism in light of the country’s current socio-economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the event and Africa’s representative at the World Journalism Education Congress (WJEC), Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, stressed the essential role of the press in democracy, noting “we must understand the role of the press as a matter of fact; the other name for democracy is what a free press is. There cannot be any free press. There cannot be any sustainable democracy without a free press.”
Akinfeleye quoted former US President Thomas Jefferson, saying, “If I were to choose between government without the press or the press without government, I would not hesitate to choose the latter.”
He, however, expressed gratitude to the governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States for their support of the press, urging them to continue seeing journalists as partners in development.
“They are your partners. They will assist you to get sustainable development. Sometimes they will worry you. Yes, that’s part of the training with the newsroom, but you can understand them. You will need them more than they need you, in many cases, because they can make and unmake and in doing so, they will assist you to stop or curb the excesses of the so called social media, which in many times has turned to social disaster or social disorder in our system,” Akinfeleye stated.
In his response, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who was honoured with the title of Workers’ and Media-Friendly Governor, said, “We must uphold the principle of freedom of expression and work for the progress of the nation. I’m proud to be honoured among the media icons. It is a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our society and advancing our values. Professional journalism has always been a catalyst for development in any nation. It promotes transparency and accountability.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Akon Etim Eyakenyi, was named Media-Friendly Governor of the Year. In his message, Umo urged the press to be mindful of how Nigeria is portrayed internationally.
“It is true that we have challenges, but through our reports, we might have unwittingly contributed to the poor image and sometimes the ill-treatment of Nigerians overseas. We can’t afford to lose faith in our nation or pull down the house because our expectations are yet to be met.”
Former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, represented by veteran broadcast journalist Segun Aderiye, congratulated the award recipients and praised the NUJ for recognising the efforts of both current and past media professionals.
“I am happy that NUJ is committed to recognising the great works of professionals of yesterday and yesteryear,” Osoba said while congratulating the awardees and urging them to do more.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Dame Comfort Obi stated, “Awards have been commercialised but I am happy that these particular awards were given based on merit,” adding that journalists are still hounded for writing their stories.
90-year-old Jola Ogunlusi, another award recipient, could not hide his emotions when he said, “I’m happy that I received this award while I am still alive.”
Some of the award recipients include Lade Bonuola, Dare Babarinsa, Bisi Amagada, and Dame Comfort Obi. Tonie Iredia, Nosa Igiebor, Felix Adenaike, Yakubu Mohammed and Obong Moses Ekpo.
Others are Eze Joe Anika, Umar Pate, Yemi Farounbi, Jola Ogunlusi, Shuaibu Liman, Dan Agbese, Ini Ememobong, Comfort Umanah, Eddie Iroh and Toun Okewale Sonaya.
