It was all glitz and glamour as media professionals gathered at the Lagos Airport Hotel for the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.

Captains of Industry, and personalities from all walks of life were in high-spirit as the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) under the leadership of Dr.Chris Isiguzo, MFR honoured twenty veteran journalists, carefully selected across Nigeria by a committee headed by seasoned broadcast journalist, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga.

The NUJ President Dr.Chris Isiguzo,set the tone for the colourful event with his welcome address, describing the media as the heartbeat of the nation.

He commended the award recipients for their huge contributions to the pen fraternity, while urging the media to be at the forefront of solution-based journalism.

“As Nigeria grapples with challenging times, journalists must result to solution-based journalism as a way to help the country navigate the hard times.

“Journalists must continue to inspire hope by using their pen to foster national growth and development towards uniting the citizenry” Isiguzo said.

On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Prof.Ralph Akinfeleye said the role of the media in any society cannot be downplayed. He tasked media professionals to hold government accountable at all times in order to help shape up Nigeria’s economy.

The height of the event was the presentation of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons plaque to the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Radda Ph.D, CON and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for being Workers/Media Friendly Governor and Media-Friendly Governor respectively.

Reacting to the honour, Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda urged members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to promote good governance at all times.

“As a scholar and a politician, i have always believed that journalism is the backbone of democracy. It empowers individuals, makes the powers accountable, and fosters informed decisions. I’m proud to be part of the community that dedicates itself to truth-seeking and advocacy” Radda said.

Meanwhile, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi eulogised journalists, while describing the media as partners in progress.

“One of the cornerstones of my administration is inclusivity.
“My ambition has been to get all stakeholders, including the media and members of other political parties involved in what we are doing in the state, which has yielded unprecedented sense of belonging among the people of Akwa-Ibom”.

Veteran journalists honoured at the event include former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr Ladan Salihu, Ms Comfort Obi, Dr Yemi Farounbi, Dr Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs Bisi Amagada.

Others include: Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr Dan Agbese, Dr Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Usman Shuaibu Leman.

Dave Comfort Obi, OON who spoke on behalf of the recipients tasked journalists to guard the profession jealously if they must redeem the image of the profession.

“We must say no to the notion that anyone can just wake up and begin to call him or herself a journalist.

“Journalists paid the prize for Nigeria’s democracy that we all enjoy today and this is one reason I am happy that a lot of us are remembered by the NUJ.

“It must be clearly stated that this award is given based on merit,” she added