The anniversary is celebrated this year as it originally coincided with the country’s general election in March 2023.
A statement signed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, praised the organisation for being the bastion of excellence in journalism practice in Nigeria.
The statement noted that PUNCH Nigeria Limited, through its reputable newspaper titles has excelled as the voice of the ordinary people and continues to serve as a bridge between Nigerians and the government at all levels.
Ododo commended the management for its leadership role in promoting ethics in journalism and for its outstanding contributions to the survival of democracy and development of Nigeria through half a century of holding government to account and mobilising the people through education and sensitisation to support policies and programmes of government over the years.
The governor also commended PUNCH for its cross-generational approach to the management of a modern news organisation with the reinvention of all its newspaper titles and the establishment of PUNCH Online which he noted has enabled the news organisation to compete favourably with its peers in the industry.
“I congratulate the management and staff of PUNCH on the 50th anniversary of the organisation.
“I am pleased to note that you have been in the newspaper business for over 50 years and counting and I celebrate you on this significant milestone which has defined the journalism industry in Nigeria.
“As you count down to another 50 years and more, accept the best wishes of the government and people of Kogi State and count on our goodwill in the years ahead as partners,” the governor said.
He called for the continued collaboration between the government and the media to deepen democracy and deliver good governance to the people of the country.
A three-day photo exhibition, as part of activities marking PUNCH’s 50th anniversary, begins on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
The photo exhibition, showcasing iconic photographs from PUNCH’s rich archive, comes next after the ceremonies marking the newspaper house’s golden jubilee kicked off on Saturday, February 24, 2024, with a colourful novelty match at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos between the PUNCHERS and the Amalgamated team which ended 2-1.
