…Dabiri-Erewa urges journalists to uphold constructive criticism
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to remain committed to strengthening the country’s democratic institutions, saying that the collective effort of citizens and leaders is essential for national progress.
Speaking on Friday through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Lanre Adetokunbo Bajulaye, where he wasn awarded the Nigerian NewsDirect 2025 Man of the Year, he said moments of recognition serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with public service, leadership and civic participation.
He described the event as a night of “celebration, reflection and honour,” noting that awards of this nature highlight the importance of integrity, hard work and accountability in every sector—from public office to business, academics and the creative industries.
According to him, the nation’s democracy grows stronger when individuals in various fields continue to push boundaries, inspire excellence and uphold values that benefit society.
“We must keep building a Nigeria where hope is alive, progress is consistent and democracy stays strong,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu praised Nigerian NewsDirect for its dedication to factual reporting and credible journalism, noting that the newspaper has become one of the consistent voices shaping public discourse.
He commended the organisation for creating a platform that rewards merit and encourages responsible leadership.
He also expressed gratitude for the recognition he received at the ceremony, saying it reflects the contributions of “many hands, many minds and many hearts” working daily to improve governance and support meaningful development.
The Governor dedicated his award to hardworking public servants, supportive communities and young Nigerians who remain optimistic about the future. “This award belongs to all of us,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged all award recipients to continue contributing their quota towards building a stronger nation, reaffirming that sustained commitment from citizens and leaders is the foundation of a thriving democracy.
Also, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended the resilience and leadership driving the newspaper, saying the organisation has grown even stronger under its current management.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion at the newspaper’s 15th anniversary celebration and Man of the Year Award, Dabiri-Erewa said she had watched the growth of the publication with pride.
“I look at him and I see how he has kept the business alive,” she said, recalling how the founder often took his son along on assignments.
She urged journalists to remain committed to the ethics of the profession, adding that the media plays a crucial role in shaping national development.
“As we mark 15 years of NewsDirect, the challenge is to uphold the tenets of journalism—criticise constructively and be diligent in your work,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that criticism should strengthen, not destroy, insisting that responsible journalism must add value to society.
“Nobody is afraid of criticism, but let it be constructive. If you criticise, I should be a better person. It has to be constructive, not destructive,” she noted.
She also encouraged citizens—especially young people—to become active participants in the democratic process.
Responding to concerns about Nigerians trapped in Libya, Dabiri-Erewa advised victims and families to rely on official repatriation systems.
She explained that the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Refugee Commission, continues to return stranded migrants in batches.
She said: “We brought back over 10,000, and President Tinubu has brought back more than 6,000 between January and now. If you are trapped in Libya, the IOM brings people back regularly—200, 300 at a time—but you have to wait your turn unless you can fund your return yourself.”
She urged Nigerians to stop attempting dangerous routes that lead to detention camps, stressing that the risks are increasing despite repeated warnings.
Earlier, Publisher and Executive Director, Prince Mathew Adesegun Ibiyemi recalled NewsDirect’s humble beginnings in 2010, honouring the legacy of the founder, the late Prince (Dr.) Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi.
He said the journey from its first anniversary at Sheraton Hotel to becoming a fully integrated media conglomerate in 2025 demonstrates the power of structured leadership and commitment to excellence.
The ED noted that over the past 15 years, NewsDirect has grown beyond print into four major subsidiaries, including the flagship newspaper, NewsDirect TV, Events Spaces, and a Gen-Z financial intelligence hub.
He highlighted the organisation’s rising circulation numbers, describing its consistency as defying industry challenges.
Ibiyemi also emphasised the company’s investment in literary development, revealing that over N14 million has been paid to Nigerian poets since 2020 through chapbooks, anthologies and prize sponsorships.
He listed several literary awards and collaborations supported by NewsDirect, including the Folorunsho Editor’s Prize for Poetry, which was increased to N200,000 in 2024.
