As Nigeria’s leading newspaper, The PUNCH, warps up its 50th anniversary programmes, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recalled how the paths of the founder, the late Olu Aboderin, and his crossed.
He told the story on Saturday evening, where he was a special guest at a white-tie dinner organised by Punch Nigeria Limited.
The event was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
While saluting all who have sustained the Aboderin’s dream, he said they met while the deceased was still working with defunct National Bank.
He said, “Let me congratulate you. Those of you who have kept the flag flying since the demise of my good friend and good colleague, Olu Aboderin.
“PUNCH has existed for 50 years, and PUNCH will continue to exist for the next 50 years and beyond.”
Speaking further on his relationship with the PUNCH founder, Obasanjo said Aboderin, during his days as an accountant, brought an end to banking challenges they had while he (Obasanjo) was the General Officer Commanding the Third Marine Commando several years ago.
“My predecessor then, his bedroom was his bank but when Olu came with the idea of banking to us our problem of banking was solved.”
As The PUNCH also reports, in her address, the Chairman, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mrs Angela Emuwa, said the dinner was aimed at celebrating everyone who has contributed to the success story of the organisation.
Emuwa said, “Today we gather to repay a debt. Just a little of the debt that PUNCH owes its team and passionate supporters all over the world. This dinner is our modest way of acknowledging your support over the years. It is also a sign and a signal of a deep sense of gratitude that we feel.
“Your loyalty and support which we do not take for granted signpost your confidence in the ideals and values that PUNCH has projected, promoted and protected over five decades.
“Tonight, we pay homage to the pioneers, the visionaries and the heroes who shaped Punch into the institutions that it is today.
“Today, we pay homage to the businesses, agencies, and individuals who patronise our commercial services and whose patronage helps to make Punch a profitable, sustainable and responsible corporate entity.
“Today, we pay homage to successive generations of leaders home and abroad who have kept faith with us in our moment of trial. Today we pay homage to Puncher living or dead for their contributions to the attainment of the golden jubilee of Nigeria’s greatest media success story across generations. To you all we say thank you.”
IT expert, Adedoyin Odunfa, while delivering the keynote speech, said, “Informing is no longer enough, interactivity is the norms, ideas rule the world, innovation moves with intelligence, especially artificial intelligence.”
The event was attended by prominent personalities, politicians, publishers and managing directors of media organisations.
Among the eminent personalities present at the event are the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams; former Minister of Industry, Dr Onikepo Akande; former governor of Delta State, James Ibori; Ambassador of Rwanda, Mr Christopher Bazivamo; Representative of Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Jude Akubude, a senior Assistant, Human Capital.
Others are former Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso;
Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Information, Gbenga Omole; Enugu State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Eze Aka; Kogi State Commissioner for Information & Communication, Kingsley Fanwo; the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade and the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Some of the media personalities present are: the Publisher, Guardian Newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Managing Director, The Sun Newspaper, Mrs Onuoha Ukeh; Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, African Voice Newspaper, UK, Mike Abiola.
The event also had in attendance top management staff and members of the company’s board, including the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr Adeyeye Joseph; Directors, Dr Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, Omoshalewa Aboderin and the immediate-past MD and E-in-C, Mr Ademola Osinubi.
Also in attendance were the General Manager, Digital and Publications, Mr Ademola Oni; the GM, Corporate Services, Mrs Olufolakemi Gbemuotor; the Company Secretary and GM Subsidiaries, Mrs Omolara Ogunleye; the Editor, The PUNCH, Mr Adedayo Oketola; and Editor, Weekend Titles, Mr Olusola Fabiyi.
While delivering the vote of thanks, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Newspapers, Mr Adeyeye Joseph assured all that the establishment will continue to appreciate everyone who believes in the company.
He said, “For as long as you continue to believe in the vision of PUNCH and the vision of our founding fathers, we shall not fail to acknowledge you and your daily contribution to our success.
“On that note, I say a big thank you to all of our distinguished and honoured guests for sparing time and creating the opportunity for us.”
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the 50th anniversary cake as well as special dance by guests and management staff.
