The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, organised by the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The prestigious event, scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, will celebrate distinguished journalists whose contributions, sacrifices and professional excellence have helped shape Nigeria’s media industry.
Governor Oborevwori will attend as the Special Guest of Honour and speak on the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”
In a statement, the Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said the event would attract prominent media professionals, communication experts and other stakeholders in the journalism industry.
Onayiga explained that the initiative was designed to celebrate accomplished journalists while they are alive and recognise their invaluable contributions to the profession.
“For once, we want to celebrate ourselves. We are honouring colleagues who have paid their dues in journalism; acknowledge their courage, sacrifices, dedication, excellence and enduring contributions to the noble profession,” he said.
He described the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons as a distinctive initiative of the NUJ, stressing that it was not merely another awards ceremony but an opportunity to appreciate the commitment, resilience, integrity and service of veteran journalists.
“Milestone Recognition of Media Icons is in a class of its own. It is not one of those ‘awards’. The event is NUJ’s unique way of appreciating and celebrating the service, resilience, sacrifice and integrity of the recipients over the years,” Onayiga stated.
He also commended the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and members of his team for sustaining the initiative, which seeks to recognise and celebrate outstanding media professionals during their lifetime rather than after their demise.
According to the organisers, the selection of this year’s honourees reflects the depth of experience, institutional knowledge and professional excellence within Nigeria’s journalism industry.
The recipients are Chief Eric Teniola, Mallam Yusuf Nuhu, Olusegun Adeniyi, Chief Abia Onyike, Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim, Ayo Adewuyi, HRM Oba Rotimi Obamuwagun, Mukhtar Gidado, Hajia Tabitha Sani Kangiwa, Ignatius Nwachukwu, Toro Oladapo and Franz Ndulue.
Others include Martins Oloja, Azubuike Ishiekwene, Kingsley Uranta, Olori Janet Mba Afolabi, Bayo Bodunrin, Uzoma Isiakpu, Adeyinka Amosu, Jubrin Bello Kwami, Ayinde Soaga, Sumner Sambo and Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Jao.
The organisers said the honourees have distinguished themselves through years of dedicated service, professional integrity and remarkable contributions to journalism, serving as inspiration to younger generations of media practitioners.
The event is expected to bring together leading figures in the media industry to celebrate excellence while reinforcing the critical role of responsible journalism in strengthening democracy and promoting good governance in Nigeria.
