NUJ names Sanwo-Olu, Malagi, Osoba, Obaigbena, Dokpesi, Momoh, others for awards

NUJ names Sanwo-Olu, Malagi, Osoba, Obaigbena, Dokpesi, Momoh, others for awards

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is to honour a few 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, on December 8, 2022, by 5.30pm will have the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, as the Chief Host/Guest Speaker.

Chairman, organising committee for the event, Gbenga Onayiga, in a statement in Lagos, said  these topflight media personalities would be honoured for their immense contributions to the development of journalism and the empowerment of media professionals in the country.

Media gurus listed for honour include Otunba Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State; Chairman Blueprint Newspapers Mohammed Idris Malagi,  Chief Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher, ThisDay Newspapers and Chairman Arise TV; High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman Emeritus, Daar Communication; Dr. John Momoh, Chief Executive Officer, Channels Media Group; The Chairman of Trust Media Ltd, Mallam Kabir Yusuf; Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Publisher, The Sun Newspapers among others.

“Having created and sustained employment for journalists over the years, our union has deemed it fit to encourage the recipients and encourage other media professionals and entrepreneurs to invest in the industry,” Onayiga explained.

Other seasoned  journalists and media entrepreneurs  penciled down for recognition include the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, who was also a former president of NUJ, Mallam Mohammed Garba; the Chief Executive Officer, Independent Communication Network Limited, Mr.Bayo Onanuga;  Chairman, Editorial Board of Penpushing and former Chairman,Lagos NUJ, Mrs Funke Fadugba; former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Mr.Emma Agu and the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba.

Also listed for honour are Mr. Buki Ponle, Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs.Yemi Kolapo, Publisher/Managing Director, The Point Newspapers & Director General of Governor Yahaya Bello(GYB) Media Organisation as well as Mr John Ajayi, Publisher of Marketing Edge Magazine.

The Milestone Recognition of Media Icons initiative is designed to encourage top professionals to sustain the tempo and prop up the budding ones not to be discouraged by the current economic and professional challenges.

Governor 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.

The event will have in attendance no fewer than 300 guests from different walks of life, including journalists drawn from across the country, who will join their Lagos counterparts, for the unique occasion.