Angela Emuwa, chair of PUNCH Newspaper, has called on media practitioners to ensure that the press reclaims “its rightful place” as the voice of the Nigerian people.
Emuwa spoke in Lagos on Thursday while delivering the opening address at a lecture held to mark the 50th anniversary of PUNCH Newspaper.
The lecture tagged ‘Recovering the Narrative’ was delivered by Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate.
The event was part of a week-long activity marking the golden jubilee of the newspaper.
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Speaking at the lecture, Emuwa said the topic is a “rallying cry for the media” to retake the mantle of being the “guardians of facts, truth and justice” in Nigeria.
She added that media is even more important “in a world inundated with information” and the power to shape narratives “should not be taken lightly”.
“It is a rallying cry for the media and responsible actors to reclaim their rightful place as the guardians of facts, truth and justice, and the voice of the people,” she said.
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“This is so because, in a world inundated with information, the power to shape narratives is a formidable responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly.”
Emuwa described PUNCH’s 50 years of operations as “no mean feat” and a “testament to the power of the press in influencing positive change”.
She added that the publication looks forward to going into another half-a-century “doing what it knows how to do best”.
“Our 50-year resilience is a testament to the power of the press in influencing positive change, upholding the values of democracy, and championing the cause of the people,” she added.
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“We hope that the impact of our 50-year journey would serve as a source of inspiration to all. We have weathered storms, stood against oppression, and championed the cause of justice, and yet we remain unbowed and unbroken.
“Today, I call upon every one of you to join hands in this crucial mission and stand firm as PUNCH goes into the next 50 years doing what it knows how to do best.”
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