The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will honour 20 iconic journalists who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
Drawn from both print and electronic media, the recipients were carefully selected for their long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s media industry.
The event, tagged “The NUJ Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria,” is scheduled to hold in Abuja on a date and at a venue to be announced soon.
Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said this year’s edition promises to be outstanding, with recipients drawn from different parts of the country.
“It will bring together major public figures, leading personalities in the media, business and entertainment, as well as top government officials,” Onayiga stated.
Two state governors who have shown exceptional commitment to media development will also be recognised for their media-friendly disposition.
“It is going to be the best-organised edition since the unique event was initiated by the national body of the NUJ four years ago,” Onayiga added.
The recognition of media icons is an annual event designed to honour veteran journalists, media owners and institutional leaders who have dedicated their lives to shaping national narratives while upholding the integrity of the press.
This year’s ceremony will coincide with the 71st anniversary of the founding of the NUJ.
Under the leadership of NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the event will provide a platform to celebrate living legends in the media industry.
The recognition emphasises the importance of honouring journalists while they are still alive, celebrating “the time, talent and resources they have invested in the noble profession.”
Alhassan, who described the media as “the custodian of democratic narratives,” said the recognition remains one of the key platforms for honouring media giants.
Past recipients include Vanguard Publisher Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu; the late Chairman of Daar Communications, Dr Raymond Dokpesi; Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh; Pa Henry Odukomaya of Champion Newspapers; Haruna Mohammed; Ray Ekpu; Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Prof. Umaru Pate; Prof. Tonnie Iredia; Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, the late Pa Jola Ogunlusi; Lade Bonuola and Dare Babarinsa.
Others are Mohammed Idris Malagi, Dr Danladi Bako, Obong Moses Ekpo, Mrs Agbeke Ogunsanwo, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Dan Agbese, Pa Felix Adenaike, Comfort Obi and the late John Ajayi of Marketing Edge.
Public officials who have fostered media development have also been recognised in previous editions. They include Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Bassey Eno, honoured for developing media infrastructure, and Katsina State Governor Mallam Dikko Radda, recognised as a “Workers and Media-Friendly” leader.