The Reporters celebrates 6th Anniversary of responsible journalism as   publisher marks milestone

*Dada U. Ahmed, Publisher of The Reporters, an online news publication based in Kogi State of Nigeria, marks six years of responsible, impactful journalism in global media space which also coincides with his 66th Birthday celebrations

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Reporters, a prominent online news publication based in Kogi State of Nigeria, Thursday, January 8, 2026, marked six years of responsible and impactful journalism in global media space and also celebrated Alhaji D.U. Ahmed, publisher of the news medium, on his 66th birthday.

How time flies. Friends, colleagues, and family members, who reacted through statements phone calls and one on one basis from Lokoja and other parts of the country, congratulated Alhaji Ahmed on the milestone, describing the cheering news as a worthy celebration of a fulfilled life of service.

UK returns over $9.5m ‘tainted’ funds to Nigerian Government for critical infrastructure

They noted that Ahmed’s contributions to the media industry in Nigeria and beyond, as a journalist of high repute, remain a source of pride to the journalism profession and the larger society.

In his felicitation message to the publisher, titled: “66 Solid, Good Years and Impactful Journalism”, Pastor F.O. Fagorite expressed delight at the twin celebration involving the leadership and management of The Reporters, working then in NAN as an Assistant Editor-in-Chief before becoming a publisher.

READ ALSO Telecoms: NCC, CBN Protect Consumers, Set To Introduce Refund Framework For Failed Transactions

Crude Politics: US Will Control Sector, Sell 50m Barrels Of Venezuelan Oil To ‘Stabilise Economy’ –Trump

Retreat: INEC Commits To Global Best Practices, Highlights Success Factors For 2027 General Elections

Recalling his experience with Alhaji Ahmed, Pastor Fagorite said: “My relationship with Alhaji Dada Ahmed began in 2008 during our postgraduate studies at the prestigious International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council Press Centre Satellite Campus, in Lokoja.

“From the outset, our bond was built on mutual respect and shared professional values.”

The cleric also said:

“Though I am a Christian, Yoruba and he, a Muslim and an Egbira ethnic nationality, neither of us has ever been a religious or ethnic irredentist.

“We have both practised our respective faith responsibly, with moderation, tolerance, and understanding within the confines of values that have continued to strengthen our friendship over the years.”

Pastor Fagorite further noted: “I sincerely wish Alhaji Ahmed, whom I fondly call ‘My MD,’ many more fruitful years, renewed strength, sound health, and clarity of mind in his continued service to humanity through journalism.

“Though he has retired from active journalism, his passion, commitment, and energy remain steadfast.”

He stated: “Six years after establishing the online platform shortly after his retirement, I am convinced that The Reporters has made, and continues to make, remarkable impact on the media and information landscape of Kogi State and beyond.

“The (online) media platform has proved to be a responsible and effective channel for informing, educating, and entertaining the public, earning commendations from far and near.

“The Reporters has truly come to stay. Big congratulations.”

In his contribution, Mr. Dayo Komolafe, a retired Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and senior colleague of the celebrant recounts his experience with the celebrator.

“When Alhaji Dada Ahmed retired from service on January 8, 2020, after over three decades of quality journalism practice, many assumed he would retire to a quiet family life.

“However, those of us who worked closely with him at NAN Headquarters, in Abuja, believed that he could never completely disengage from journalism.

“DUA, as he is fondly called across NAN newsrooms nationwide, ventured into online journalism at a time when the media space was becoming increasingly saturated.

“Against the odds, his first platform, DUAglobalnews.com, survived and excelled before metamorphosing into The Reporters, a better-packaged news outfit distinguished by high professional standards.

“Since its emergence, The Reporters has been trailblazing in online journalism and has become a reference point for social, economic, and political discourse.

“Notably, it has been in the vanguard of advocacy for Nigerian pensioners, providing consistent updates and credible information relied upon by many across the country.

“This achievement is a product of developmental journalism devoted to societal growth and development.

“The platform’s reportage has been incisive, informative, educative, and agenda-setting, attracting commendations from diverse stakeholders.”

“On behalf of The Reporters, Alhaji Ahmed has received several awards, the most notable and recent being the Golden Award of Honour, tagged: “Pillar of Peace,” a reflection of his personality, presented to him by the Europe-based organisation, Pillars of Peace International, at the Federal College of Education, Okene, in 2025.

“As Alhaji Ahmed marks his 66th Birthday today, many of his admirers, including me, describe him as a dedicated “pen pusher”, an accomplished publisher, a great media manager, a seasoned reporter, and truly an editor’s editor.

“We pray that Almighty God will grant him many more years in joy, good health, and sustained service to the nation.”

In another tribute titled: “Ode to Alhaji Ahmed Dada @66”, the Chairman of the Kogi Central Think-Tank Forum (KCTTF), Dr. Haroun Opotu Yussuff, wrote: “I am not generous with encomium, but this ‘young adult’ deserves every accolade.

“Alhaji Dada Ahmed is a journalist to the core, firmly rooted in the belief that “the pen is mightier than the sword.

“As an ABUSITE and retired NAN intellectual, he has consistently demonstrated literary prowess across platforms, producing works marked by depth and clarity.

“At 66, alongside with The Reporters at six years, he remains astute, diligent, selfless, patriotic, and incorruptible.

“He has retired, but he is certainly not tired.

“However, his humility and obedience, admirable as they are, should not be taken for granted.”

Mr. Adeku Adava, former Director-General, Kogi State Radio Corporation, also wrote: “The 8th of January occupies a quiet but profound place in the life of Alhaji Dada Ahmed, marking the birth of a man whose strength has always resided in calm resolve, humility, and purpose.

“In a country where the average male life expectancy hovers around 55.81 years, attaining the age of 66 is itself remarkable; doing so with a life defined by productivity, integrity, and service to humanity which elevates his milestone into a testament of grace and endurance.

“Each passing year stands as evidence of a journey carefully lived, not in noise, but in meaning.

“Now firmly into the club of senior citizens of Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmed has refused the comfort of withdrawal that often accompanies retirement.

“Though he formally exited active public service at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), his passion for journalism did not dim; instead, it deepened.

“What followed was a deliberate return to the newsroom through a new doorway, the digital space, where he birthed The Reporters, an online news publication, driven more by conviction than by commerce.

“In this new chapter, he reinvented himself as a one-man newsroom, seamlessly combining reporting, editing, and publishing.

“Through this rare multitasking discipline, he introduced a fresh dimension to journalism in Kogi State, and beyond the shores of the state, ensuring that news is served promptly and responsibly to local, national, and international audiences.

“The Reporters strikes a thoughtful balance, blending hard news with human-interest stories and light entertainment, thereby reflecting society in its full and honest spectrum.

“What makes Ahmed’s venture most compelling is its spirit of selflessness.

“The publication is sustained largely by passion and public interest rather than material reward, a reflection of its founder’s lifelong commitment to service.

“It is a labour of love, powered by belief in the enduring value of truth and information in societal development.

“As Alhaji Ahmed marks his 66th birthday alongside the sixth anniversary of The Reporters, one celebrates not just the passage of time, but the birth of a legacy continually renewed.

“It is a journey deserving of gratitude and prayers, that such selfless dedication will soon attract the financial reward needed to sustain its noble mission. “Congratulations to a quiet trailblazer whose life continues to speak, gently but powerfully.”

Mr. Nyemike who also wrote from Lagos said: “Happy birthday sir, may your new age bring about greater opportunities and blessings for you and your household.

“In this new year, may all your dreams and aspirations for you and your family, come into fruition.

“You shall bountifully reap the fruit of your labour with massive rewards, abundant increase and all round supernatural blessings.

“Happy Birthday Sir. Many Hearty Cheers.”

Dr. Atuluku Samuel, Assistant Secretary (Kogi NUJ) And Director News & Publications, Ministry of Information and Communications, has this to say to the dual celebrations.

“Sir. I received the news of your celebration with joy and I have this to say: “That you have demonstrated whole heartedly that it is possible to have responsible journalism without blemish.

“Your years of service and the six years of the online publication of “The Reporters” have been both fulfilling and very inspiring, especially to people like us.

“Worthy of note is the fact that, you see news very differently as exemplified through the publication of Human Angle Stories, which of course has become your trademark or part and parcel of you, or has been your style,

“Indeed, your commitment, integrity, professionalism and resilience is highly acknowledged, while you have also proved another point, that there is no retirement in Journalism.

“I am praying that you sustain this spirit and that God Almighty will.continue to grant you good health and all it takes for you to remain a pace setter in the pen fraternity and journalism.

“Congratulations on your double celebration, Sir.”

Dr. Danjuma Mahmud, Secretary-General, Ahmadu Bello University, Alumni Association World Wide, also felicitated with the celebrant in this way:

“We take immense pride in your remarkable contributions to your alma mater and the field of journalism in Nigeria.

“You epitomise the true essence of the ABU brand. Congratulations Sir!!!”

Responding, the publisher thanked Almighty Allah for sustaining him through life’s ups and downs.

He expressed gratitude to his nuclear and extended family members, colleagues, and well-wishers for the show of absolute love.

Ahmed noted that his journey on earth so far, as of January 8, 2026, accounts for 24,076 days, 3,439.43 weeks, 791 months, 577,824 hours, and 34,669,440 minutes, culminating in 66 solid years.

He also appreciated readers of The Reporters for their time, continued support, and interest in the growth of the platform, thereporters.com.ng.

“As long as Almighty Allah decrees”, he pledged, “I will continue to draw on my professional experience to inform, educate, and entertain society, with utmost adherence to ethical standards, in advancing the social, economic, and political development of Kogi State, Nigeria, and the wider world.”

“I see the outpouring of love and kind remarks on my birthday and towards my pet project as powerful encouragement that will spur me to do even more for my society through my chosen career.

“This I promise to continue doing, as long as my creator permits,” he promised.

Kindly Share This Story