Lanre Idowu Revitalizes Hope Message At 33rd DAME Awards

Lanre Idowu Revitalizes Hope Message

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Mr. Lanre Idowu, CEO, Diamond Publications Ltd and Editor-in-Chief of Media Review since 1991, at the weekend in Lagos, re revitalized the spirit and letters of hope in the system.

The seasoned journalist spoke at the 33rd DAME awards.

Titled “Our Central Message Is Hope,” Idowu, in the speech, inspired the audience with a message of hope saying that there is “Hope” for a better society, and belief that Nigeria can and will be better.”

His thoughts are reproduced below unedited

Distinguished guests, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I welcome you to the 33rd presentation of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence, otherwise known as the DAME Awards.

It sounds interesting to note that a child who was born in 1992 when the first edition of DAME was held is qualified to run for the governorship of a state or indeed aspire to be a senator during the 2027 general elections.

Welcoming as that is, it is not only DAME that is celebrating its journey of growth, for this year is also the year of celebration for several of our media houses represented here today.

Nigerian Tribune is 75 years old; Punch was 50 last year but chose to celebrate its golden jubilee this year, and Vanguard is also 40 this year.

My gratitude to you rests on several grounds. It is to thank you all for being here this crowded Saturday. Your presence indicates the importance that you attach to this occasion and believe me when I say that we do not take it for granted.

Your presence also indicates the love and belief you have in our country, Nigeria.

CENTRAL MESSAGE

Indeed, the central message of the stories that have been nominated for awards today is one of hope, of the need for a better society, and of a belief that Nigeria can and will be better. Most of the reporting revolves around public service advocacy.

The journalists, in line with their professional, constitutional, and moral responsibility have churned out enterprising reports in the effort to draw attention to gaping gaps between policy and reality, and between the pursuit of a meaningful life and the barriers standing therein.

From the various newsrooms of our print, online, and broadcast organisations, it can be said of the Nigerian media that their news judgment is alert. In one category after the other, the drive for a better and greater Nigeria is conveyed in the issues treated, no matter how grim they look presently.

From the Education Reporting beat comes stories of abduction, rights abuse, poor sanitation, and corruption and the need to address those issues.

From the Health sector is genuine concern about the prevailing poor working environment where avoidable deaths routinely occur, and a careless policy environment allows unbridled access to poison being served as drinks.

From judicial quarters emanate tales of undue delay and pathetic state of infrastructure decay, which conspire to enthrone bureaucratic wheels of injustice.

From the lens of our photojournalists are telling shots of inefficiency as the people agonise in traffic because of bad roads, inhumaneness as they are whipped whilst queuing for petty cash by overzealous officials trying to justify a misguided policy of currency change, and indiscipline as uniformed officers struggle in court premises to take custody of a government official.

CHALLENGE

What needs greater honing is the depth of treatment, better framing of issues, and the need to embrace solutions journalism, and less of merely signalling issues.

CHILD RIGHTS

The plight of the Nigerian child continues to resonate with our media. Malnutrition, lingering challenges with polio, child labour, and poor learning environment are some of the issues discussed in various reports. The media’s concern is healthy for the child is the future of the country and every legitimate effort must be taken to safeguard the future of the child.

Earlier today, we had a symposium which centred on reinforcing the role of the media in mainstreaming child rights. Participants drawn from the media, government, civil society organisations, and the academia discussed such issues as poor health and nutrition among children, protection of children and school safety, and how climate impacts on the environment and affects the wellbeing of children.

The symposium is part of a joint initiative of UNICEF, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and DAME to expand the significance of the annual celebration of the World Children’s Day which is celebrated annually on November 20. The three partners are associates who want to do more together.

As I said earlier this year in Abuja, “It is this common passion for issues concerning the Nigerian child, this desire to frame development issues of grave national and global concern appropriately that has brought the partners together, to work, in a more formal way, to scale up coverage of issues germane to the welfare of the child.”

It also partly explains why the 33rd DAME is being held tonight.

SPONSORS

Let me, at this point, welcome our partners from UNICEF, Country Rep, Cristian Munduate, Rajat Madhok, chief of communication advocacy and partnerships, Susan Akila, Eric and several others.

I welcome the Nigerian Guild of Editors led by the president, Eze Anaba, Lagos State Government, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives for the Development of the Niger Delta, the families of the late Ahmed Onibudo, Segun and Elsie Olusola, S. O. Idowu, Tunji Oseni, and Justice Omotayo Onalaja.

We also recognise Ademola Osinubi, JAMB—the Joint Admission Matriculation Board and two new sponsors NLNG and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

With the continued support of our sponsors and that of the good people of Nigeria many of whom are in this hall tonight the journey ahead will be smoother.

CONCLUSION

Let me also welcome all the nominees. You have done well to be here. I pray that you will not relent your efforts but continue to work harder to make the pursuit of excellence second nature to you. Awards are tokens of appreciation for good work and a source of encouragement for greater productivity.

I welcome our special honorees, Frank Aigbogun, the Lifetime Achievement Recipient, and Mr. Kunle Ajibade, the Distinguished Honorary Fellow. I welcome our judges—Muyiwa Adetiba, Kehinde Taiwo, Feyi Smith, Victoria Ibanga, Emiko Aruofor, Lola Akande, Muda Ganiyu, Demola Oyinlola,
Joseph Afolabi.

Without further ado, I welcome you, all distinguished guests to the 33rd DAME presentation. May the message of hope that characterises most of the winning works permeate our national life.