The Olori Janet Afolabi Foudation, OJAF, has unveiled the Newswatch 5 lecture Series at Ijakadi Hall, Raddisson Blu , Hotel, Ikeja Lagos. The event had a dual purpose – to also pay tribute to the late Yakubu Mohammed, a Media Icon who co- founded Newswatch alongside late Dele Giwa, the late Dan Agbese and Ray Ekpu.
Chief Tola Adeniyi, Chairman of the occasion said Mohammed rebranded journalism in his own image.He said Mohammed did not find himself in journalism but walked into it, prepared and laboured for it.
” He desired, perspired, and acquired the journalism feat.By nature, Mohammed was not flamboyant nor loud, but stayed in his own lane”
In her speech, the Convener and Founder of OJAF, Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom said when Dan Agbese co- Founder Newswatch died last year, she reflected on her Journalism career and remembered ” the people who shaped me, taught me, corrected me, pushed me, (believed) in me even when l doubted myself and gave me a platform to soar .My former Bosses are these people.They were mentors, builders of men and custodian of journalism standards.They taught me that journalism is not just a profession but a public trust.That truth matters.That integrity is not negotiable “
” It is this debt of gratitude that inspired me to organise this event
Ray Ekpu the only surviving Co-Founder of Newswatch in his speech described Yakubu Mohammed as a moslem who was not an extremist.” He was a decent, civilised and modern moslem not infected by the bug of religious irredentism.He was a reporters reporter, a careful, thorough and methodical story teller.He went for facts, truth. He never bent the facts. He never bent the truth.
When he got elected as the Vice President of League of Nigerian Columnists which is headed by journalism legend , Chief Tola Adeniyi, l knew that he deserved the honour. And he capped his writing career by bringing out an autobiography titled “Beyond Expectations ” before he died. By writing a book about his life and legacy he added muscle to his career as a journalist and public intellectual. “
There were reminiscence and tributes from former Military President, Retired General Ibrahim Babangida as well as family, friends, colleagues and schoolmates.
The event ended with a vote of thanks from Soji Akinrinade who praised Olori Janet Afolabi for organising the event and thanked every one for attending the event.
The event was well attended. The 200 capacity hall was filled with media elders, and dignitar from all walks of life.
Among those who attended were, Oba Kayode Afolabi, the Alapomu of Apomu, His Majesty , Professor Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota, Oba ( Engr) Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, Adimula of Awori Kingdom, Isheri Olofin- Mole, Professor Tayo Popoola, Head of Dept Mass Communication , University of Lagos, Nosa Igiebor Editor in Chief of Tell magazine, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos Prof Oloruntola Sunday, Mohammed Haruna , Pioneer Editor of New Nigerian newspaper, ICAN consultant, Shina Babatunde,Dame Comfort Obi, Publisher of Source, Hon. Helen Emere of Imo House of Assembly among others
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