Masthead
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
Plans are at their final stages to roll out the drums in lavish celebration of ‘The Reliance’ newspaper 15 years anniversary.
This announcement was made in a press release signed by the Chairman, Planning and Execution Committee, Comrade Edosa Okunbor and Secretary, Comrade Percy Favour (Mrs) respectively and availed journalists in Benin, a couple of days ago.
‘The Reliance’; a Benin based Community newspaper is one of the few that have been able to survive the many crippling challenges confronting the publishing industry in Nigeria since its birth 15 years ago.
“Consequently, the management and entire members of staff are glad to inform the public particularly our esteem readers and stakeholders that this will be marked with a robust program of event.
Asserting the anniversary is considered a milestone, an 8 – man Planning and Execution Committee has been inaugurated by the management, towards having a successful celebration.
”The Committee is headed by a veteran journalist; Edosa Okunbor, and Percy Favour (Mrs.), as Secretary, while Felix Aizamosa is the Vice Chairman.
“Other members include: Monday Oise, Kingsley Abavo, Mercy Onyeweli, Kadiri Christopher and the publisher; Ralph Okhiria as co – opted member.”
“We like to inform that amongst invited dignitaries, many ‘Very Important Personalities (VIPs)’ are expected to grace the epoch making event where deserving persons who were carefully selected by the Planning Committee will be honoured with Merit Award of Excellence.
“Also, some persons will be invested with the patronage of the ‘Reliance Newspaper’, as a lecture titled: ‘Roles of the community Newspaper’ as tool for mobilization of the rural dwellers for sociopolitical participation and economic development in a democratic system; will be delivered by a respected intelligentsia and academics, Hon. Prof. Isaiah Osifo.
“Therefore, we appeal to family members and numerous friends of our highly respected Awardees, to place congratulatory messages with ‘The Reliance Newspaper which special edition, all coloured is being packaged for the event, by management.
”For details; please contact immediately: , Edosa Okunbor: 08059122333, 08139945455 and Ralph Okhiria: 08055513298.
“The event is slated to hold on Friday, 26 May, 2023, with venue at the ‘Thames Event Centre’ along Sapele road, Benin-City, the Edo State Capital.”
Brief Profile of ‘The Reliance’ Newspaper
“We recall with nostalgia, that ‘The Reliance’ Newspaper was birthed following the identified yawning gap which exists in the information management and communication chain in the rural communities; particularly in Edo and Delta as our major catchment areas.
“This unique Community newspaper therefore was conceived to bridge this yawning gap in – spite the existence of several newspapers wearing the toga of national coverage, yet not effective.
“In doing this, we resolved that it must meet established international standards in media practice in terms of content quality; and general outlook.
“However, the journey has not been easy in the face of daunting challenges to actualizing this compelling need.
“15 years after, we are proud to announce from the roof top that though not yet Uhuru; ‘The Reliance’, newspaper has done exceedingly well deserving robust celebration hence this august occasion.
“We are therefore glad to invite our numerous friends, readers and stakeholders to join us as we roll out the drums; to celebrate!
“Please we urge all to keep the date!”
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