The planning committee for the 6th annual anniversary lecture of Penpushing Media, owners of globally known online newspapers and television, has announced July 25, 2024 as the date scheduled for its annual event.
Chairperson of the committee, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, made this known to journalists in a statement, adding that the theme of this year’s edition is ‘Infrastructure as a tool for National Cohesion’
The statement disclosed that the event which is designed to be educative and a contribution to social growth will take place at the auditorium of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) located along Presidential Boulevard, Abeokuta.
Akiyode-Afolabi stated that the planning committee had commenced preparations for the event, and would equally continue to sensitise the public on the importance of the lecture to national cohesion.
The statement added that the committee in the same vein had started reaching out to members of the Penpushing platform as well as other stakeholders to rally round towards a successful outing, expressing optimism that all will be well.
The planning committee added that in due course other arrangements for the ceremony will be made public, where identities of personalities with their specific roles will be made public.
The chairperson recalled that previous anniversary lectures are a testimonial to the relevance of Penpushing Media not only in the journalism practice across the world, but also its impact on society, assuring that this year’s edition will be another feat by the organization.
Akiyode-Afolabi emphasized that Penpushing has been robustly nurtured on the journalistic ideology of adding value to journalism worldwide, by ensuring credible sources of news around the world.
The chairperson said the maiden annual lecture was held in 2017 with the theme, ’Social Media: Building Parameters for Trust to Achieve Political and National Growth’, with late Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), as guest lecturer.
Prof Idowu Sobowale, Journalism icon, was the Chairman, Kabiyesi Olufemi Ogunleye of Akinale in Owu Kingdom was the Royal Father of the Day, while wife of former President, Mrs Bola Obasanjo and late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson were Mothers of the Day.
She further stated that the second anniversary lecture took place on July 19, 2018 with the theme: The Media and Quest for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ ’while the Country Director, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Nigeria, Mr Ronald Kayanja was the Guest Lecturer.
The statement added that the 3rd annual lecture was also held on July 19, 2019 with the theme,’ ’The Nigerian State, Political Evolution, And Multi-party Democracy: Education to The Rescue’, which was handled by Prof Oluyemisi Obilade, former Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education.
Akiyode-Afolabi recalled that the 4th edition was held on July 21, 2022 with the theme, ‘Social Media Regulation: Insecurity and Elections Accountability in Nigeria’, was handled by Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye, the West Africa Director of Ford Foundation
The statement in the same vein said the 5th edition was held July 25, 2023, themed,’ ‘Burden of Inclusivity and Nigeria’s Democracy”, presented by former Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof Suleiman Bogoro
‘Penpushing, which has become a famous global news dissemination platform, got its certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 1, 2017, with its corporate headquarters located at Leme axis of Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta the Ogun State Capital’, Akiyode-Afolabi added.
Meanwhile, other members of the vibrant standing committee include: Sina Adefolahan(Secretary), Toyin Ogunbomehin, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Yemisi Fadairo, Dr Adewunmi Alayaki and Hon Remmy Hazzan
