Founder and director of The Journalism Clinic Taiwo Obe has explained the reason behind the upcoming Appreciation Day event being organised to celebrate Nigeria’s veteran media professionals.
According to Mr Obe, the event, which will hold on Wednesday, October 22, at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, is aimed at recognising and thanking media elders aged 70 and above for their years of service to the profession and the country.
Obe said, “It’s simply to thank these elders – around 68 of them – for working, over the years, to inform, educate and entertain our people, with little regard for celebrating themselves.”
He added that the event would also provide an opportunity for current media leaders and scholars to learn from the reflections of the veterans.
The ceremony, themed “From Stories to Legacy: A Day of Memories and Thanksgiving for Nigeria’s News Media Elders”, will be attended by prominent figures, including Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, minister of information and national orientation Mohammed Idris and executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr Aminu Maida.
Dr Maida, whose late father Wada Maida served as editor-in-chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), will deliver the keynote address.
The Centre for Research Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD) Library and Museum will also mount a mini exhibition showcasing the works of some of the honoured media figures.
Obe noted that the gathering would be one of reflection, learning and appreciation for the contributions of Nigeria’s media pioneers.
