It was, at once, one of the highlights and surprises of the night. The occasion was the high profile ThisDay/Arise Television award ceremony to mark the 30th and 12th year anniversary of the Media Houses. Venue was the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
To mark the anniversary celebrations, quite a number of people, carefully chosen by Thisday/Arise Board of Editors, were honoured on Monday, January 27, 2025.
One of them was the beautiful Lady Maiden Ibru, the Publisher/Chief Executive Officer of the Guardian Newspaper. She took over the running of the Newspaper after the passing of her husband, Dr. Alex Ibru.
The Guardian, well-respected, credible,
prides itself as the Flagship of the Nigerian Media.
But on this Monday night, its Publisher ceded that to Thisday. While accepting the award in the category of Lifetime Achievers, she said she was shocked she was chosen. She then expressed appreciation for the honour done her. Then, she went on to rate ThisDay above her Newspaper, The Guardian, and every other Newspaper in Nigeria.
She said: “ThisDay is the number one in Nigeria. It is number one. I know I am a Publisher, but ThisDay is number one.”
While many people applauded her for the courage in publicly rating another publication better than her’s, others said what she did amounted to “de-marketing” her publication, almost. Said one Editor who pleaded anonymity, “This is likely to demoralise her Editors.”
Lady Ibru is noted for her free spirit, honesty, straightforward attitude and bluntness when she speaks.
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