President Bola Tinubu has sent his felicitations to the Publisher of The Guardian newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, on the occasion of the newspaper’s 40th anniversary.
In a letter signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, and titled: ‘Salute to 40 years of outstanding journalism,’ the President wished the newspaper another 40 years of vibrant and robust journalism in defence of a more just and equitable society.
He wrote: “For over four decades, the newspaper has stayed true to its founding creed as a liberal and independent media organisation established primarily for the purpose of advancing public good through unbiased news coverage while upholding the truth as an article of faith.
“From inception, the newspaper under the illustrious leadership of its founding Publisher, Olorogun Alex Ibru, has kept faith with the tenets of the journalism profession. It is most edifying that under your able leadership, the newspaper has not flinched and has consistently lived up to its brand essence as the flagship. It warms the heart that The Guardian has many reasons to celebrate.”
IN similar vein, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has extended his warm congratulations to The Guardian at 40.In a letter he personally signed and titled: ‘40 years of a true flagship,’ Obi wrote: “I am pleased to join the media community in Nigeria to congratulate The Guardian Newspaper for reaching the landmark age of 40 years.
“The entry of The Guardian into the country’s print media was very significant because of the discipline, and the high ethical quality editorial content that earned it the distinction of being referred to in the media space as the Flagship of Nigerian Journalism. The Flagship carries the commanding admiral of the flagship and that was what The Guardian has done for the Nigerian print media in its 40 years of operation with its thought-provoking and enriching news content.
“The newspaper has lived up to its motto: ‘Conscience, Nurtured by Truth’ through its succinct, mature, and unbiased editorial contents that stood it out as a utility partner in nation-building. The Guardian’s contributions to the nation’s current democratic evolution remain outstanding as it helped to fast-track the exit of the military regime in our polity.
“We cannot forget the huge sacrifices the newspaper made at some point during the struggle for democracy in our land. We recall two of its Editors, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, going to jail during the military regime; and the Publisher, Chief Alex Ibru, escaping an assassination attempt on his life, and the raiding and shutting down of the newspaper during another military regime.
“The history of The Guardian and the success it recorded in the last 40 years in the face of all the obstacles, the hostile entrepreneurial and political environment are reassuring and give hope that a new and great Nigeria is Possible for the patient and dogged fighters like The Guardian. I wish to therefore pay special tribute to the Publisher, all past and present staff of The Guardian, who helped to make this great institution worth its name, the guardian of the people.”
