NUJ Honours Obi Alongside 18 Other Media Icons For Roles In Reshapening The Industry

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Body of the Chris Isiguzo led  Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has bestowed the prestigious Media Icon Award on Dame Comfort Obi, OON, Publisher/ Editor-in-chief of The Source (Magazine) for her outstanding and remarkable impact on the growth and development of Journalism in Nigeria.

Obi, alongside other awardees withstood the test of time in the midst of daunting challenges, to invest their time, talent and treasures in the nation’s media industry.

Her indefatigable prowess in the industry made her the first  Winner of the high profile Reporter of the Year, Nigerian Media Merit Award, NMMA.

The National Award Recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, has mentored dozens of Media Practitioners that have made  indelible impact in the industry and in Nigeria’s political stage.

The event took place at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Thursday October 17, 2024 and was attended by both the high and low in the Society including, the Governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States, Their Excellencies Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda, PhD, and Pastor (Dr) Umo Eno respectively.

Dame Obi was awarded alongside Dr Tonie Iredia, Nosa Igiebor, Dare Babarinsa, a former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Oblong Moses Ekpo, MFR Yakubu Mohammed, Felix Adenaike, Lade Bonuola, Bisi Amagada, and HRH Eze Joe Anika.

Others were: Pa Jola Ogunlusi, Shuaibu Liman, Dan Agbese, Ini Ememobong, Comfort Umanah, Eddie Iroh, Prof. Umar Pate,  Okewale Sonaya and Yemi Farounbi.

In his welcome address Isiguzo, the NUJ National President, said the Media Icons were carefully chosen as they have eked their names and shaped public discourse.

He said this  Third Edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons was targeted at honouring top flight media enterpreneurs, who have invested enormously in the industry.

Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom was named as the 2024 Media-Friendly Governor, while Governor Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda of Katsina State was awarded the 2024 Workers/Media Friendly Governor.

Present also, were Chief Segun Osoba, the President of the Guild of  Editors, Eze Anaba, a Professor of Communications, Professor Ralph  Akinfeleye, Dr Queen Obi, a top flight Eye Doctor/ Educationist, among scores of top flight Media Practitioners.

In a response on behalf of the Recipients, Dame Obi decried the level Journalism has been reduced to due to the activities of quacks. She, also, lamented the incessant harassment of Journalists for doing nothing but their jobs. She, also, extended the condolences of the awardees to Governor Eno, through his Deputy who represented him, over the passing of his wife, Patience Umo Eno, First Lady, Akwa Ibom.