Buhari, Obasanjo, IBB, Jonathan salute Tribune’s courage at 70

In a rare unanimity of opinion, current and former presidents of Nigeria have lauded the resilience, patriotism and courage of the Nigerian Tribune as it marks its 70th anniversary today.

President Muhammadu Buhari, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Goodluck Jonathan in separate statements expressed joy that the Tribune has braved the odds to turn 70.

President Buhari said the Nigerian Tribune played a crucial and historical role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and had sustained the activism in the post-colonial era.

A statement by his Special adviser on Media and Publicity), Mr Femi Adesina, reads: “On behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians in general, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with the board, management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers on its 70th anniversary, extolling the founder, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose legacies in almost all sectors continue to speak of his patriotism, intellect and unusual wisdom.

Atiku vs Buhari: CUPP expresses shock at Supreme Court reasons over verdict

“Founded at the height of nationalist movement in 1949, President Buhari believes the Nigerian Tribune played a crucial and historical role in Nigeria’s struggle for Independence, and has sustained the same activism in the post-colonial era by holding leaders to account and consistently providing information that empowers citizens to demand accountability in all spheres of national life.

“The President recalls the pungent and articulate editorials as well as columns of the oldest Nigerian private newspaper, which serve as resource materials for individuals, businesses and academic institutions, and have shaped policy direction of successive governments.

“President Buhari affirms that the conceptualisation of the media house with a ‘people-first’ philosophy continues to inspire its reach and influence, urging the board and management to consistently keep faith with the vision of the founding fathers.

“The President joins the Nigerian media generally in celebrating the milestone attained by the Nigerian Tribune.”

Obasanjo, in a letter to the board of the newspaper, rejoiced with the Tribune on the anniversary and the commissioning of its Lagos office in Isheri today and urged it to remain steadfast in its assigned mission.

“I commend you, the board and the entire management and staff of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc for the bold and steady strides you have taken so far to transform our society and enhance our democracy through purposeful information dissemination.

“I must emphasise that development cannot take place unless the people are sufficiently enlightened and effectively mobilized to see themselves as part of the process. This is where the role of the media, particularly the Nigerian Tribune, cannot be overemphasized,” Chief Obasanjo said.

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in his own statement, saluted the Tribune for keeping faith with the masses-oriented vision of its founder.

General Babangida, in a message, said: “It is gratifying to note that just like a flash in the pan, Tribune Newspaper has turned 70, and still kicking strong. In retrospect, I was just imagining being barely eight years old when Tribune started and despite all the tribulations, difficulties and stress in running any Nigerian enterprise, Tribune Newspaper is still going and growing strong. That explains the remarkable mileage of Papa Obafemi Awolowo, his unique foresight, his vision for an informed society, and his uncommon ability to build the right synergy for nurturing and sustaining the unity of Nigeria.

“I must specially commend the staff and management of the Tribune Newspaper titles for bracing the odds, and often times unfriendly business climate, to sustain such a veritable platform in memory of Papa Awolowo, who defined leadership in a more utility-driven way with love for man and country.

“I feel personally enthralled by your success story, your consistency in editorial policy, your resilience in your focus, no matter the pressure and intimidation at such difficult times in the history of our dear nation. I must join millions of Nigerians, your readers, your clients, and your fans to wish you all the best in your continuous sojourn to make the society a better place.

“Let me add that you must not rest on your oars. You must keep the candlelight burning as you continue to break new grounds to make the platform more and more sophisticated in a new world order where information travels at the speed of light. Congratulations on this epochal feat as I wish you more successes in the years to come.”

In his own message, former President Jonathan described the Nigerian Tribune as “the irrepressible defender and mouthpiece of the ordinary people.”

In a statement, Dr Jonathan said: “I felicitate with the management and staff of the nation’s oldest surviving newspaper, the Nigerian Tribune, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the leading media brand.

“I am delighted to note that the Tribune has not deviated from the vision of its founding father and foremost nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who intended the newspaper to function as the irrepressible defender and mouthpiece of the ordinary people.

“The newspaper’s consistent focus on progressive journalism and balanced reporting has ensured that it has remained competitive over the ages.

“The fact that the Tribune has continued to appeal to both the old and younger generations clearly indicates that it has been quite successful with brand renewal. I wish the Tribune many more decades of robust journalism.”

 

Nigerian Tribun e