Journalists in Nigeria have been urged to be more committed to their work and live a life worthy of emulation knowing that they will be remembered with their hard work in future.
The former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba who stated this in Lagos during the ‘Afternoon of Tributes’ to the departed Media leaders in Nigeria by media stakeholders, called on journalists to rededicate themselves to the ideals and practice of journalism.
”We decided to celebrate ourselves because we have been celebrating and eulogizing others for long. The younger journalists should now re-dedicate themselves to the practice of their profession knowing that what you have started now, when all of you get old, the media will have occasion to celebrate you”, he said.
Lateef Jakande
In his tributes to the former governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande, Chief Osoba said the contributions of Jakande to the media profession which stood him out were too numerous to mention saying that his success and contributions to journalism exceeded his contributions to government as a governor.
“Lateef Jakande was the first African to be the Chairman of the International Press Institute, the first president of Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the first president of Nigeria Guild of Editors and so many other notable media positions through which he contributed immensely to the growth of journalism in the country’’, he said.
Ben Egbuna
The Chairman, Channels Television, Mr John Momoh in his tributes to the former Executive Director News, Voice of Nigeria VON and Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN, Mr Ben Egbuna, described him as a thorough-bred journalist whose footprints can be felt in both private and public space.
According to Momoh, Egbuna, believed in doing things right and practising journalism with integrity whose hate against corruption and incompetence stood him out.
“Ben Ndubuisi Egbuna was a living proof on how a fine journalist should be, a disciplinarian and good friend to many whose legacies will be felt in the practice of journalism for long’’, he said.
Tony Mohmoh
The founder on News watch Magazine, Mr. Ray Ekpo in his tribute to the former President and General Secretary Nigeria Guild of Editors, Tony Mohmoh descibed him as thorough, keen and focused journalist who contributed to the growth of Journalism in Nigeria by making many things possible for the profession.
”Prince Tony Mohmoh who died on February 1, 2021 at the age of 81 was a man of dignity, simplicity and uncompromising. He was meticulous, thorough and made many things possible in the profession”, he stated.
Other Media practitioners
The media stakeholders also paid their tributes to other notable departed media leaders including, the life patron of Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Mallam Ismaila Isa, the former publisher, New Nation, Chief Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, former General Manager, Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Bisi Lawrence, former Editor Daily Express, Mr Eddie Aderinokun, former Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah and the former Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria NAN, Mallam Wada Maida.
One of the families of the celebrated heroes, Mrs. Beatrice Egbuna who described the celebration as a boost to the younger media practitioners said she was very happy that her husband, Mr. Ben Egbuna was among those that were paid tributes saying that Mr. Egbuna lived a life deserving of such an honour.
Nneka Ukachukwu
