By Muhd D Haidar
All is now set for the 2026 edition of the prestigious Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, organised by the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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The event, which celebrates veteran media professionals who have significantly shaped Nigeria’s journalism landscape, will have Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, as Special Guest of Honour. He will also deliver the Keynote Address.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, this year’s ceremony is themed: “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”
Among the 23 distinguished honorees is Kano’s renowned veteran journalist, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim, FNGE (Kwakwatawa).
A former National Vice President of the NUJ (1990-1997) and past Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council (1981-1983), Alhaji Abdulkadir currently serves as Secretary and Board of Trustees member of the League of Kano Veteran Journalists.
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In a statement, the Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said the event will gather top communication experts and media leaders across the nation.
“For once, we want to celebrate ourselves. We are honouring colleagues who have paid their dues in journalism, acknowledging their courage, sacrifices, dedication, excellence, and enduring contributions to the noble profession,” Onayiga stated.
Onayiga said the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons stands apart from conventional awards, describing it as NUJ’s unique way of appreciating the resilience, integrity, and lifelong service of media leaders while they are still alive.
He also commended the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and his executive team for sustaining the initiative to honour trailblazers in their lifetime.
The 2026 Honorees:
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The recipients cut across print, broadcast, public service, and digital media administration. They are:
- Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim, FNGE (Kwakwatawa)
- Chief Eric Teniola, former Director of Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
- Barrister Yusuf Nuhu, FNGE, former Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
- Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board
- Martins Oloja, FNGE, former Managing Director, The Guardian Newspapers
- Azubuike Ishiekwene, FNGE, Senior Vice Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, Leadership Media Group
- Ayo Adewuyi, Executive Director of News, NTA Headquarters, Abuja
- Mukhtar Gidado, former NUJ Deputy National President and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Bauchi State
- Chief Abia Onyike, former Deputy National President, NUJ
- His Royal Majesty, Oba Rotimi Obamuwagun, former Deputy National President, NUJ
- Mrs. Toro Oladapo, former National Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)
- Olori Janet Mba Afolabi, Publisher, SCROLL Magazine and Olori of Apomu Kingdom
- Sumna Sambo, Director of News/Politics Editor, ARISE News TV
- Kingsley Uranta, Channels Media Group
- Bayo Bodunrin, FNGE, DAAR Communications, Abuja
- Adeyinka Amosu, former Director of Lagos Operations, FRCN
- Ayinde Soaga, former General Manager, NTA Minna
- Uzoma Livingstone Isiakpu, former Director of Information, Imo State
- Hajia Tabitha Sani Kangiwa
- Ignatius Nwachukwu
- Franz Ndulue
- Jubrin Bello Kwami
- Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Jao
The NUJ organising committee noted that the rich diversity and deep experience of the recipients will serve as an inspiration to the upcoming generation of journalists across Nigeria.
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