Text of a speech by the Group General Manager of Sun Heaven Hotels, Dr. Michael Pinder, at the presentation of Outstanding Journalism Promoter Award to the publisher of The Sun and New Telegraph, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, by Media Gate Communications at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
I am pleased to be in the midst of media stakeholders today as a representative of the Publisher of The Sun titles and Founder of New Telegraph titles, Dr. Orji Kalu.
Today’s event marks a new beginning in the history of journalism in Nigeria as astute media entrepreneurs and seasoned media professionals have come under one roof to show solidarity and support to one another. It is indeed commendable.
The award bestowed on Dr. Kalu today is another testimony to the fact that whatever you are doing, do it well as someone out there is watching you. Please don’t get me wrong, I mean legitimate endeavours.
This honour, no doubt, will motivate our media establishments to further contribute to the society through balanced, objective and credible reporting. We would also continue to invest in the media industry and other sectors of the economy in order to create more job opportunities for Nigerians.
Please permit me to use this golden opportunity to call on the media to stand up to its responsibility of promoting a just and equitable society. Let us see ourselves as the voice of the voiceless in advocating good governance through objective journalism. The Nigeria project should be embraced by discharging our duties and responsibilities with a high level of professionalism and integrity.
On a final note, I would like express my profound gratitude to the organizers of this event, especially Media Gate Communications Ltd, for identifying and appreciating the efforts of Sun Publishing Ltd, Publishers of The Sun titles and New Telegraph Publishing Ltd, Publishers of New Telegraph titles, in not just providing Nigerians with credible news but also creating employment and wealth for people.
To everyone present here today, thank you for gracing this event.
