Journalists converge on Lagos to unveil The Making of The Guardian

Celebrates founder, Alex Ibru

NO fewer than 100 senior journalists, media entrepreneurs, opinion molders and managers will be among over 200 others expected to converge on Lagos to unveil a book titled: The Making of The Guardian on Thursday, April 7, 2021.

The book tells vividly and in graphic narration how The Guardian was founded and became the flagship of the Nigerian media, especially in its first 10 years from 1982 to 1993.

Accomplished media practitioners, who once worked at The Guardian, contributed to its making, from where they sprang to become leaders in various media houses and reputable talk shows in the broadcast media industry. 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.

Among former staff of The Guardian, who are making impact in the political space are Governor of Ekiti State and current Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum ( NGF), Dr. Fayemi Kayode and Ayogu Eze, a two- term senator and former Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Media.

Others expected at the event are Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Femi Ojudu, Special Adviser Political Matters to President Muhammadu Buhari and Abdul Oroh, former member, House of Representatives.

Some of the information commissioners and chief press secretaries expected at the event are Gbenga Omotosho of Lagos State, Laolu Akande, Special Assistant on Media to Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Kelvin Ebiri, Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Among top media practitioners billed for the event are

Dr. Patrick Dele Cole and Lade Bonuola, Members of Editorial Board and founding members of The Guardian;

Prof. Femi Osofisan, pioneer editorial board member of The Guardian, Kingsley Osadolor, anchor of Good Morning Nigeria on the Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA). One of them, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, who later became Managing Director of Daily Times, is current Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University ( OAU), Ile- Ife.

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, The Sun Newspapers and Editor- inChief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja.

Most of the top media experts have interesting stories of their times at Rutam House, headquarters of The Guardian Newspaper documented in the book.

Co- Author of the book,

Aaron Ukodie, pointed out that most of the editors and media men, who were involved in the making of the book, looked forward to the event, saying it will be one of reunion and reconnection to The Guardian newsroom memorable days, which made and sent them forth. Seun Ogunseitan is one of the authors.

Osinbajo will be Special Guest of Honour, Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu will be Chief Host, while his Delta Sate counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa will be co- host at the event, which holds in Lagos.