The Journalism Clinic will on Wednesday host dozens of Nigeria’s veteran journalists and media icons, aged 70 and above, at an event tagged ‘Appreciation Day’.
The gathering, holding at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, is expected to bring together over 60 media elders aged 70 and above for a day of reminiscence, reflection, and recognition of their contributions to the country’s media landscape.
Founder and Director of The Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe, said the event was conceived to honour the pioneers who helped shape Nigerian journalism.
“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,” Obe said.
Distinguished guests expected at the ceremony include Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida, who will deliver the keynote address.
According to the organisers, Maida’s participation also carries sentimental value, as his late father, Wada Maida, was a former Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria and one of the respected figures of his generation.
Obe added that current media leaders and scholars have also been invited “to learn a few lessons from the reflections of the elders.”
In addition, the Centre for Research, Information Management and Media Development Library and Museum will mount a mini-exhibition showcasing some of the works and publications of the honorees.
“It will be a day of nostalgia and thanksgiving,” Obe said, noting that the event will serve as a bridge between generations of Nigerian journalists.
Credit: punchng.com
