Nigeria Union of Journalists has honored a few media personalities in the maiden edition of its “Milestone Recognition of Media Icons” initiative.
Among the awardees are; Former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers; Sam Amuka-Pemu, Chief Executive Officer, Channels Media Group; Dr. John Momoh, Publisher, ThisDay Newspapers and Chairman Arise TV; Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman Daar Communication; Raymond Dokpesi.
Others are; former president of NUJ, Mohammed Garba; the Chief Executive Officer, Independent Communication Network Limited, Bayo Onanuga; Chairman, Editorial Board of Penpushing and former Chairman, Lagos NUJ, Funke Fadugba; Publisher Blueprint Newspapers Mohammed Malagi, among others.
Osoba who chairs the occasion called for a media website to be created for journalists that are truly practicing to avoid being mixed with quacks who go about tarnishing the image of the profession.
He noted that the present situation where just anybody can claim to be a journalist and disseminate information is part of the reasons for the spread of fake news.
NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo stated that unlike other awards, the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons is targeted at media owners and some seasoned journalists who have distinguished themselves in the industry.
He said it was designed to encourage top professionals to sustain the tempo and prop up the budding ones not to be discouraged by the current economic and professional challenges.