National Honours: Obasa Salutes Amuka-Pemu, Onanuga, Babarinsa, Other Journalism Icons

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated veteran journalists and media icons who were recently conferred with national honours by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the recognition as well-deserved and a testament to their enduring contributions to the growth of journalism and democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Obasa specifically hailed the achievements of media luminaries such as Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, founder of the Vanguard Newspapers; Mr. Bayo Onanuga, former Managing Director of The News and a presidential adviser; and Mr. Dare Babarinsa, founding member of Tell Magazine, among others.

Obasa noted that the awardees had, over the decades, demonstrated uncommon courage, professionalism, and patriotism through their pens, often at personal risk, to uphold truth, justice, and accountability in Nigeria.

“These icons of Nigerian journalism are not just chroniclers of history, they are shapers of it. Their pen has spoken for the voiceless, challenged oppression, and stood as a pillar of our democratic experience,” Obasa said.

The Speaker also commended President Tinubu for recognizing the role of the media in nation-building, saying the honours reflect the administration’s appreciation for the power of responsible journalism.

“In celebrating these legends, we also celebrate the free press and the role it continues to play in nurturing democracy. I salute their resilience, integrity, and the legacies they have built,” Obasa added.

He urged younger journalists to draw inspiration from the honourees and uphold the values of professionalism, truth, and fairness in their reporting.

The national honours were conferred at a ceremony in Abuja where President Tinubu awarded distinguished Nigerians across various sectors for their service and contributions to national development.