…celebrate founder publishing icon, late Alex Ibru
At least 100 top journalists, media entrepreneurs, opinion molders, and managers shall be among over 200 others expected in Lagos to unveil the epochal book that vividly, and in graphic narration tells how The Guardian was made and became the Flagship of the Nigerian media, especially in its first 10 years, from 1982 to 1993.
The top media men who once worked at the Guardian, contributed to the making of the Guardian, from where they sprang to become leaders in various media houses and reputable talk shows in the broadcast media arena.
Some have been, and are currently information commissioners, media owners, and reputable public relations models. A few have made their names in the political space, where they had brought their journalistic experience, especially, at the Guardian, to bear in their works. One has not only become a governor but current chairman of the Nigerian governors’ forum.
Among the former staff of The Guardian, who are making an impact in the political space is Dr. Fayemi Kayode, governor of Ekiti state and current chairman of Nigeria governors’ forum. Others are Senator Ayogu Eze, who had two-term in the red chambers and was one of the outstanding Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media.
Other former staff who were senators, expected at the event are Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Femi Ojudu, who is now Special Adviser Political Matters to President Muhammadu Buhari, and Abdul Oroh, former member, House of Representative.
Some of the information commissioners and chief press secretaries expected at the event are Gbenga Omotosho of Lagos State, Pastor Laolu Akande, Special Assistant on Media to Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Kelvin Ebiri, chief press secretary to Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.
Among top media men attending the event are Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, and Lade Bonuola, Members of the Editorial Board and founding members of The Guardian, Professor Femi Osofisan, pioneer editorial board member of The Guardian, Kingsley Osadolor, anchor of Good Morning Nigeria, broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority.
One of them, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, who later became Managing Director of Daily Times, is the current Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
Others are Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times, Segun Adeniyi, Chairman, Editorial Board, Thisday, Kayode Komolafe, Deputy Managing Director, Thisday Newspaper, Onuoha Ukeh, Managing Director, Sun Newspapers and current Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja.
Many of these top media men have very interesting stories, which are documented in the oncoming book, of their days at Rutam House, the headquarters of The Guardian Newspapers.
According to one of the authors of the book, Aaron Ukodie, most of the top editors and media men who were involved in the making of the book are looking forward to the event. Seun Ogunseitan is one of the authors.
Ukodie said the event shall be one for reunion and reconnection to the memorable Guardian newsroom days, which sirred and sent them forth.
The event which holds on April 7, 2021, in Lagos shall be attended by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as the special guest of honour, while Lagos State governor is chief host, and his Delta State co8unterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa is co-host.
