Final week, media professionals from throughout Nigeria converged in Lagos for the third version of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Milestone Recognition of Media Icons. The occasion, themed “Media Legends: Shaping Narratives, Inspiring Generations,” attracted high-profile friends, media executives, and newsroom professionals from varied components of the nation.
The audio system on the occasion famous the significance of honouring media legends whereas they’re alive, bearing in mind the time, expertise, and sources these people have invested within the career.
They famous that these media figures have withstood the check of time, overcoming challenges and must be celebrated for his or her enduring contributions.
NUJ President Chris Isiguzo introduced throughout his speech that this 12 months’s Media Icons Award can be his last ceremony as chief as he prepares to step down as a brand new president who is predicted to take over in November.”
Isiguzo, reflecting on the crucial position of the media, described it because the “heartbeat of democracy,” stating, “It’s the voice that ensures accountability and transparency in governance. We’re the watchdog of the general public pursuits; we maintain energy to account. We’re not simply journalists. We’re custodians of a nation’s narrative. We should proceed to share that narrative with integrity, with hope and with dedication to the values that bind us collectively as Nigerians.”
Whereas addressing the award recipients, Isiguzo added, “Right this moment is your day. You’re the champions of this noble career. You’re the pillars on which the integrity of journalism in Nigeria stands. You might have, by means of years, been the voices of motive, the narrators of fact and the torch bearers of our democracy. It’s an honour for us to have fun you at the moment, not only for what you may have achieved however for the requirements you may have set for all of us to emulate. Your contributions will echo by means of the corridors of our career for generations to come back.”
He additionally known as for a shift in direction of options or developmental journalism in mild of the nation’s present socio-economic challenges.
In the meantime, the chairman of the occasion and Africa’s consultant on the World Journalism Schooling Congress (WJEC), Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, harassed the important position of the press in democracy, noting “we should perceive the position of the press as a matter of reality; the opposite title for democracy is what a free press is. There can’t be any free press. There can’t be any sustainable democracy with no free press.”
Akinfeleye quoted former US President Thomas Jefferson, saying, “If I have been to decide on between authorities with out the press or the press with out authorities, I might not hesitate to decide on the latter.”
He, nonetheless, expressed gratitude to the governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States for his or her assist of the press, urging them to proceed seeing journalists as companions in growth.
“They’re your companions. They’ll help you to get sustainable growth. Generally they are going to fear you. Sure, that’s a part of the coaching with the newsroom, however you may perceive them. You will have them greater than they want you, in lots of instances, as a result of they will make and unmake and in doing so, they are going to help you to cease or curb the excesses of the so known as social media, which in lots of occasions has turned to social catastrophe or social dysfunction in our system,” Akinfeleye said.
In his response, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who was honoured with the title of Employees’ and Media-Pleasant Governor, mentioned, “We should uphold the precept of freedom of expression and work for the progress of the nation. I’m proud to be honoured among the many media icons. It’s a testomony to the ability of journalism in shaping our society and advancing our values. Skilled journalism has all the time been a catalyst for growth in any nation. It promotes transparency and accountability.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Akon Etim Eyakenyi, was named Media-Pleasant Governor of the 12 months. In his message, Umo urged the press to be aware of how Nigeria is portrayed internationally.
“It’s true that now we have challenges, however by means of our experiences, we’d have unwittingly contributed to the poor picture and generally the ill-treatment of Nigerians abroad. We will’t afford to lose religion in our nation or pull down the home as a result of our expectations are but 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 each present and previous media professionals.
“I’m comfortable that NUJ is dedicated to recognising the good works of pros of yesterday and yesteryear,” Osoba mentioned whereas congratulating the awardees and urging them to do extra.
Talking on behalf of the award recipients, Dame Consolation Obi said, “Awards have been commercialised however I’m comfortable that these explicit awards got primarily based on advantage,” including that journalists are nonetheless hounded for writing their tales.
90-year-old Jola Ogunlusi, one other award recipient, couldn’t cover his feelings when he mentioned, “I’m comfortable that I obtained this award whereas I’m nonetheless alive.”
Among the award recipients embrace Lade Bonuola, Dare Babarinsa, Bisi Amagada, and Dame Consolation 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, Consolation Umanah, Eddie Iroh and Toun Okewale Sonaya.
