Media leaders, scholars, others converge on Lagos to honour veteran journalists   

*The Journalism Clinic organises the ‘Appreciation Day’, held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, in Lagos, as a reunion of old colleagues to recognise the contributions of the senior members of the media to the development of the West African country, and humanity in general

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

It was an “Appreciation Day” Wednesday, October 22, 2025, as dozens of Nigerian veteran journalists, aged 70 and above were honoured, in Lagos.

The media veterans were appreciated for having served the country, Nigerians, and humanity in general through decades of reportage and storytelling in the media and communications space.

ConsumerConnect reports The Journalism Clinic organised the event held in the new Sir Kessington Adebutu Media Resource Centre, at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), at Ogba, in Ikeja, Lagos State capital.

The Journalism Clinic described the event as a reunion of old colleagues meant to recognise the contributions of the “senior members” of the media across the West African country.

Lagos commends media veterans

In his goodwill message on the occasion, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, commended the organisers for celebrating the veterans.

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Omotoso noted that their work had shaped public opinions and strengthened democracy in Nigeria.

Represented by Kayode Oyekanmi, Director of Strategy in the Ministry, Omotoso assured that the Lagos State Government (LASG) under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would continue to uphold press freedom and strengthen collaboration between the media and government.

The Commissioner also stated: “Today’s celebration reminds us that journalism is not just a career; it is a lifelong calling, a calling that demands courage, integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to truth and public service.

“The veterans we celebrate today embody these timeless virtues. Through your pens, voices, and editorial leadership, you have shaped public opinion, held power to account, defended democracy, and contributed immensely to nation-building.”

Speaking at the forum, High Chief Tola Adeniyi, veteran journalist and columnist, welcomed the initiative as he also described the programme as timely and unifying.

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Adeniyi said: “We must thank Taiwo Obe for putting this together. It’s great to see media men of old and new generations come together.

“The government should recognise and respect journalists because they are idea setters and agenda setters.”

Likewise, in her remarks on the occasion, Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede, a broadcast icon, said the gathering was a rare opportunity for journalists to celebrate themselves.

Oloyede stated: “I think The Journalism Clinic has come up with a good idea because the truth is that most times, the people in the press spend time and lives celebrating everybody else but ourselves.

“So, I think it’s a nice idea that those of us who are climbing the ladder in terms of age can have an opportunity to get together, and maybe do a bit of reminiscing to talk about old times and thank God we are still alive.”

Also in his remarks, Dare Babarinsa, another veteran journalist and “opinion guru”, described the forum as “fantastic”, harping on the need for journalists to celebrate themselves.

Babarinsa said: “We journalists learn about other people. We celebrate other people, but it is good that we are doing something for ourselves.

“This is what happens all over the world. Journalists also recognise their own contributions to society, not just talking about other people.”

In his comments, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, former Managing Director of Daily Times, described the event as refreshing and rewarding.

Dr. Ogunbiyi stated: “It’s unusual for the media to recognise itself. This idea is long overdue.”

Why I conceptualised ‘Appreciation Day’, by Obe

Taiwo Obe, Founder of The Journalism Clinic and Convener of the “Appreciation Day”, said the programme was organised to thank the elders for their dedication to informing, educating, and entertaining Nigerians.

Obe explained: “It’s simply to thank these elders, around 68 of them, for working over the years with little or no recognition.”

Earlier, Obe had disclosed that the event would attract scores of the veteran media professionals, stating that “a handful of them, now in their 80s and 90s, covered the Nigerian civil war.

“Many were in the forefront of the guerrilla warfare against Nigeria’s repressive military rule.”

According to him, many more are championing the sustenance of democracy in the country.

“While at it, they have not been celebrated enough or have time themselves to celebrate,” Convener of the Appreciation Day stated in a message via his verified social media account.

Obe further mentioned some of the distinguished personalities expected at the landmark event to include Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation; and Dr.  Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), whose late father, Malam Wada Maida, was also a distinguished journalist.

Late Wada Maida later rose from the ranks to become the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Appreciating supportive organisations and individuals, Obe thanked the following for their financial and kind support to make the event a success.

These are the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), NNPC Limited, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Nigerian Communications Commission, Fidelity Bank Plc; National Emergency Agency of Nigeria, Archivi.ng, Ruby Gold, Incorporated, Nectar Green Snails, and several individuals.

Some media leaders, media scholars, and junior journalists as well attended the celebration of remembrances, reunion, and thanksgiving in Lagos.

The event featured photo sessions, as attendees exchanged pleasantries, and shared stories from their days in the newsrooms.

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