Awolowo, Enahoro, others receive honours at WNTV anniversary

The Premier of the Old Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and foremost journalist and statesman, Chief Anthony Enahoro, were among Nigerians honoured yesterday at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV).

Awolowo’s vision for the region was particularly eulogised to have established the station when many European countries and China were yet to have a television station.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who spoke at the ceremony that attracted many pioneer members of staff of the station in Ibadan, tasked broadcast practitioners to surpass the vision of the founding fathers so as to bring development to the country.

Osinbajo, who stated that Nigeria was not just the first to have a television in Africa but also before several European countries and China, said: “As we celebrate the establishment of WNTV, we also celebrate what is possible in our nation. We celebrate also what the vision, hardwork and the commitment to the public good can do.

He noted that the event was historic for three reasons: “it demonstrated the capacity of a Nigerian now to conceive of and achieve anything no matter how complex or difficult.

“Second, it demonstrates how visionary leadership can improve and lead people from the lowest level to the highest level of human imagination.

“Thirdly, it exemplifies the use of public resources for the public good. The WNTV was built to inform, educate and enlightened.”

In his address, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Malam Yakubu Mohammed, charged media practitioners not to allow the labour of the visioners to become a waste.

A former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and Chairman of the Foundation for Ibadan Television Anniversary Celebration, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, said: “It is time to work as Nigerians so that the labour of our heroes past will move us to the higher level of achievement, indeed a new frontier of accomplishment.”

In her remark, first daughter of Awolowo, Rev. Tola Oyediran, appreciated the organisers of the event on behalf of the family.