The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Dr. Chris Isiguzo, MFR, recently paid homage to exceptional media professionals at the second edition of its Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria. The event, which took place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos, was a tribute to the outstanding contributions of these icons to the growth of Nigerian journalism.
Dr. Chris Isiguzo, President of NUJ, extended a warm welcome to the honorees and guests, acknowledging their significant impact on journalism in Nigeria and beyond. He emphasized that the initiative was conceived to celebrate these media personalities while they are still among us, recognizing and appreciating their invaluable contributions to the industry.
In a commendable display of solidarity, the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mallam Idris Malagi, via the Director General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, applauded the NUJ’s initiative. The Minister urged the media to uphold fairness in reportage, promote unity, and advocate for good governance at all times.
The esteemed recipients of the award included notable figures such as Mr. Ray Ekpu, Dr. Danladi Bako, High Chief Tony Akiotu, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Mallam Baba Dantiye, Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, Prof. Stella Okunna, Prince Henry Odukomaiya, and Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye. The list further comprised of Prof. Femi Adefela, Chief Emeka Izeze, Aremo Taiwo Alimi, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Dr. Grace Achums, Sir Folu Olamiti, and Mrs. Agbeke Ogunsanwo.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State was deservedly honored as “The Media Friendly Governor of The Year.” He enlightened the audience with a keynote address on the theme “The Place of Icons and Role Models in National Development: The NUJ Milestone Awards in Perspective.”
In a thought-provoking speech, the Representative of Gov Bala Mohammed, Muhammed Bulama, emphasized the media’s role in holding public officials accountable to their promises and actively participating in the nation-building process. He highlighted critical issues such as the cost of living, security, unemployment, and national unity, urging a national conversation on the electoral process to enhance the integrity of outcomes and minimize acrimonious litigations.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Danladi Bako expressed profound gratitude to Nigerian journalists, particularly those who have distinguished themselves in the industry. He lauded NUJ for its remarkable strides and urged journalists to remain dedicated to their profession as the watchful guardians of society.
Additionally, Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director General of VON, was represented by Mrs. Mary Atolagbe, Director of Public Affairs, VON, extending solidarity with the NUJ in honoring these exceptional media figures.
This celebration serves as a testament to the indispensable role of journalism in shaping society and holding power to account, reaffirming the commitment of these icons and the NUJ to the noble cause of informing, educating, and advocating for positive change in Nigeria and beyond.
