Four specialists in their professions have accepted to serve as panelists at the sixth edition of annual lecture, organisation by Penpushing Media. The event is scheduled to hold 25 July at new marque events centre of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Management and Editorial Board of Penpushing Media, the panelists include Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert of the University of Ibadan’s African History, Peace and Conflict Studies; President of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Maureen Chigbo; Executive Director of Enough is Enough, Opeyemi Adamolekun; and Executive Director of Journalist for Democratic Rights, Wale Adeoye.
In their individual responses to invitation extended to them by the management of Penpushing Media, owners of online newspaper and television, wholeheartedly agreed, the four cerebral Nigerians declared their acceptance and equally recognised the relevance of the organisation in the media industry.
The panelists will play a major role at the event, which has the theme, ‘National Balance: Infrastructure, Institutional Capacity and Diversity as Tools for Building Blocks and Good Governance’.
Earlier, the chairperson of the planning committee, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-
Afolabi had explained that the event is designed to be educative and a contribution to social growth.
She said that the planning committee has commenced preparations for the event, and would equally continue to senitise the public on the importance of the lecture to good governance.
The chairperson said that previous anniversary lectures are a testimonial to the relevance of Penpushing Media, not only in the journalism practice across the world but also its impact on society assuring that this year’s edition will be another feat by the organisation.
Akiyode-Afolabi emphasised that Penpushing Media has been robustly nurtured on the journalistic ideology of adding value to the profession worldwide, by ensuring credible sources of news around the world.
The maiden annual lecture was held in 2017 with the theme, ’Social Media: Building Parameters for Trust to Achieve Political and National Growth’, with former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, rof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe (now deceased) as guest lecturer.
Journalism icon, Prof Idowu Sobowale was the Chairman, while Kabiyesi Olufemi Ogunleye of Akinale in Owu Kingdom (also now deceased) was the Royal Father of the Day, while wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola and the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson (now late) were Mothers of the Day.
The second anniversary lecture took place on 19 July 2018 with the theme, ‘The Media and Quest for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ with the Country Director of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Nigeria, Mr. Ronald Kayanja as the Guest Lecturer.
The third annual lecture was held on 19 July 2019 with the theme, ‘The Nigerian State, Political Evolution, and Multi-party Democracy: Education to The Rescue’, which was handled by former Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluyemisi Obilade.
The fourth edition was held on 21 July 2022 with the theme, ‘Social Media Regulation: Insecurity and Elections Accountability in Nigeria’, which was handled by West Africa Director of Ford Foundation, Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye; while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi was royal father of the day; and Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was the Chairman.
According to the statement, the fifth edition was held 25 July 2023, themed, ‘Burden of Inclusivity and Nigeria’s Democracy’, presented by former Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, with former Ogun State, and journalism icon, Chief Olusegun Osoba as the chairman
Penpushing, which has become a famous global news dissemination platform, got its certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission on 1 June 2017, with its corporate headquarters at Leme axis of Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta.
Other members of the standing committee include Sina Adefolahan (Secretary), Toyin Ogunbomehin, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Yemisi Fadairo, Dr Adewunmi Alayaki and Hon. Remmy Hazzan.
