African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc (ANN), publishers of the Tribune titles, has been described as the past and current pillar of Nigerian, nay African journalism.
Associate Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, and Public Affairs Analyst, Dr Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, gave the verdict on Tuesday in a statement issued to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of Nigerian Tribune in the paper stand.
Nigerian Tribune, it would be recalled, was founded by the late sage and Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, on November 16, 1949, and has weathered the storms since inception.
Dr Ufuophu-Biri, a PhD holder from the Univerity of Ibadan (UI), who’s an incurable reader of the Most Informative Newspaper, highlighted the newspaper’s sterling qualities to include unbiased reportage, referred firm editorial stance on issues, nationalistic and incurable commitment to the development of the nation.
He said: “I congratulate the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper as she celebrates her 70th year anniversary.
“The Paper remains the oldest newspaper in Nigeria and Doyen of Journalism in West Africa. The paper has stayed on focus right from the time she was founded in 1949.
“The Paper was used to fight for the Independence of Nigeria. Even after independence, she never relaxed in fighting for national and governmental uprightness in the country.
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“The Paper fought against the successive military regimes in the country and participated significantly in securing the present democracy that Nigeria is enjoying.
“The Paper is totally unbiased, topical issue-based, human and societal development-oriented, highly committed, nationalistic, patriotic and committed to the course of national development.
“The Paper could also be referred to as the present pillar of Nigerian journalism, indeed, African journalism.
“The sincerity of the Paper, her commitment to national development and full observance of “duty of care” and social responsibility have contributed to keeping the Paper agile and alive to this moment.”
Continuing, the staunch official of the Association of Academic Staff Union (ASUU), DELSU chapter, made reference to a thump-up for Tribune’s editorial prowess by former President Ibrahim Babangida.
“During the military regime, the editorial comments of the Paper were feared by the military leaders.
“President Ibrahim Babangida even confessed that as a military president, he had high respect for the editorial comments of the Paper.
“The paper is highly professional, up-to-date in technology and hires the best of hands in the industry.
“The Paper regards national interest above personal and profit interests. Once more, I say congratulation to the Nigerian Tribune as she celebrates her 70th birthday anniversary…” he felicitated.
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