Lagos: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Minister for Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris are set to attend an event honoring Nigerian journalists aged 70 and above. The event, known as ‘Appreciation Day,’ is organized by The Journalism Clinic and will take place at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Ogba, Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Obe, the founder and Director of The Journalism Clinic, issued a press statement in Abuja highlighting the purpose of the event. He emphasized that the gathering aims to celebrate the journalists’ lifelong contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape. Obe remarked, ‘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.’
The statement also mentioned that Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, will deliver the keynote address. Maida’s father, the late Wada Maida, was a prominent figure in the media, having served as Editor-in-Chief and later Chairman of the Board of Directors of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
In addition to honoring the journalists, the event will include invitations to current media leaders and scholars, offering them an opportunity to learn from the experiences of the veteran journalists. Mr. Obe expressed hope that these interactions would provide valuable insights.
The Centre for Research Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD) Library and Museum will contribute to the event by staging a mini-exhibition showcasing the works of some of the honored journalists. Mr. Obe noted that the day would be one of nostalgia and thanksgiving.