By Philip Nwosu
Media icons in Nigeria shone brighter in Lagos, at the weekend, as the Nigerian Union of Lagos (NUJ) conferred on them awards of recognition and excellence for uplifting the media in the country.
Those recognised included the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Ray Ekpu, Danladi Bako, Tony Akiotu, Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Baba Dantiye, Najeem Jimoh, Stella Okunna, Henry Odukomaiya and Ralph Akinfeleye.
Others were Femi Adefela, Emeka Izeze, Taiwo Alimi, Chris Anyanwu, Grace Achums, Folu Olamiti and Agbeke Ogunsanwo.
The NUJ, under the leadership of Chris Isiguzo, had honoured some outstanding media professionals, at the second edition of its Milestone Recognition of Media Icon in Nigeria held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos last Thursday.
Speaking during the ceremony, Isiguzo said the motive behind the award was to celebrate media personalities while still living.
Also, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Malagi, who was represented by Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Director General, Mohammed Bala, lauded the initiative and commended NUJ leadership for introducing the award.
He urged the media to be fair in its reportage while promoting unity and good governance at all times.
Governor Mohammed, who was awarded “The Media Friendly Governor of The Year,” delivered a paper with the theme: “The Place of Icons and Role Models in National Development: The NUJ Milestone Awards in Perspective.”
Representative of of the governor, Muhammed Bulama, who is also the secretary of the state government, urged the media to hold public officers accountable to their promises and be part of the tasks of nation-building.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Bako commended Nigerian journalists, especially those who have carved a niche for themselves in the industry.
He commended the NUJ for the giant strides and urged the journalists to be committed to the profession being the watchdog of the society.