NUJ to celebrate Nigeria’s media icons shortlists Osoba, Obaigbena, Dokpesi, and others

NUJ to celebrate Nigeria’s media icons shortlists Osoba, Obaigbena, Dokpesi, and others

·          Names Sanwo-Olu Guest Speaker

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will on Thursday, December 8, 2022, honour some media personalities in the maiden edition of its ‘Milestone Recognition of Media Icons’ initiative.
Unlike other awards, the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons, being organised in conjunction with the Lagos State Council of NUJ, is unique in its originality and is targeted at media owners and some seasoned journalists who have distinguished themselves in the industry.
The event, billed for the Banquet Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, by 5.30 p.m. will have the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, as the Chief Host and Guest Speaker.
Media practitioners listed for the honour include Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Publisher and Chairman, ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV, Chief Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman Emeritus, Daar Communication, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Chief Executive Officer, Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh; Chairman, Trust Media Limited, Mallam Kabir Yusuf, as well as Founder and Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, among others.
Chairman of, the Organising Committee of the event, Gbenga Onayiga, said in a statement in Lagos that the topflight media personalities will be honoured for their immense contributions to the development of journalism, their impacts and the empowerment of media professionals across the country.
“Having created and sustained employment for journalists over the years, our union has deemed it fit to encourage the recipients and other media professionals and entrepreneurs to invest in the industry,” Onayiga said.
Other accomplished journalists and media entrepreneurs shortlisted for recognition include the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, who was also a former President of NUJ, Mallam Mohammed Garba; Chief Executive Officer, Independent Communication Network Limited, Bayo Onanuga; Chairman, Editorial Board of Penpushing and former Chairman, Lagos NUJ, Mrs. Funke Fadugba; former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Emma Agu and Publisher of Blueprint Newspapers, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba will also be honoured for his giant
strides in curbing rights violations since assuming office.
Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buki Ponle, Publisher/Managing Director, The Point Newspapers and Director-General of Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) Media Organisation, Mrs. Yemi Kolapo, as well as Publisher of Marketing Edge Magazine, John Ajayi are also shortlisted for the awards.
NUJ said the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons initiative was designed to encourage top professionals to sustain the tempo and mentor budding journalists not to be discouraged by the current economic and professional challenges in the country and beyond.
Sanwo-Olu, who will speak on the Role Of The Media In The 2023 General Election, will also be honoured for his media-friendly disposition as Lagos State Governor.
No fewer than 300 guests are being expected to grace the event from different walks of life, including journalists drawn from across the country who will join their Lagos counterparts at the NUJ’s evening of recognition.