Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa salutes journalism icons like Sam Amuka-Pemu, Bayo Onanuga, and others, who received national honours for their vital roles in Nigeria’s democracy struggle

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ournalism National Honours have been celebrated by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa.

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He has applauded the national honours recently bestowed upon several distinguished journalism figures.

These include Sam Amuka Pemu, the renowned publisher of Vanguard newspapers; Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Dare Babarinsa, a popular newspaper columnist; and Dapo Olorunyomi, founder and publisher of Premium Times.

The list of esteemed recipients also featured Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor at TheNews; Seye Kehinde, publisher of City People magazine; and Nosa Igiebor, Editor in Chief of TELL, widely considered perhaps Nigeria’s most successful news magazine.

Significantly, Bagauda Kaltho, a senior correspondent of TheNews magazine who was tragically murdered in a bomb blast in 1996 in Kaduna State, received a posthumous award.

These media icons were part of 139 notable Nigerians honoured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their diverse and invaluable contributions to Nigerian democracy during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

Speaker Obasa’s heartfelt salutation was conveyed in a statement signed by Adeshina Oyetayo, his Special Adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation.

It is heartwarming to see these journalism greats being honoured for their courage, resilience, and steadfastly using the power of their pen to fight the tyranny of military dictatorship, risking their lives and livelihood, braving the odds, the guns, and arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, to fight for the enthronement, growth, and survival of democracy in Nigeria.

He unequivocally declared, “They are the true heroes of our democracy. They deserve all the honour bestowed on them.”

Obasa further extended his gratitude for their profound labour of love and significant sacrifices for Nigeria. He implored them to keep their passion for a better society aflame and alive, urging them not to be slowed down by age or any existential challenges.

“The Nigeria you risked it all for is almost here. And we need you to continue to be the watchdog of our democracy,” Obasa stated, underscoring their ongoing vital role.

Interestingly, Sam Amuka Pemu, whom President Tinubu personally described as ‘a legendary journalist and publisher that has remained true to his lifetime calling’, could not have received a more fitting 90th birthday gift than the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) title.

Amuka Pemu, the esteemed founder of The Vanguard newspaper, celebrates his 90th birthday on Friday, June 13.

Like Amuka Pemu, Bayo Onanuga, founder of TheNews magazine, and Dare Babarinsa, co founder of TELL magazine, were also conferred with the CON title.

Dapo Olorunyomi, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, and Seye Kehinde each received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title.

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Conversely, Bagauda Kaltho, who received a posthumous OON, stands out as one of the journalists who paid the ultimate price during the despotic regime of the late General Sani Abacha.