Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have congratulated media mogul and Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.
Others who congratulated the media mogul are a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; ex-governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; and former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
Abbas in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said Obaigbena has paid his dues as a patriotic Nigerian and a media mogul.
The speaker noted Obaigbena’s invaluable contributions to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria through the media, stressing that the media mogul used his God-given talent to promote the unity and stability of the country.
He urged the media mogul and other media owners to continue contributing their quota to the growth and development of Nigeria.
Similarly, Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Obaigbena as an accomplished journalist, outstanding patriot, a detrabilised Nigerian, a shining statesman and an exceptional entrepreneur who has inspired others to succeed in many endeavours.
Oborevwori hailed the media baron for his exemplary leadership as President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), adding that the history of the Nigerian media industry would not be complete without acknowledging Obaigbena’s astute contributions to the growth and development of the industry.
The governor, who described Obaigbena as the “Duke of Owa Kingdom”, said he remains an illustrious son and great pride of Delta State.
He lauded his vision in establishing renowned media outfits that have continued to offer employment and remarkable channels for disseminating information to Nigerians and the world at large.
“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Delta State, I congratulate an illustrious Deltan, veteran journalist, and media entrepreneur, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, on his 64th birthday on July 14, 2023.
“For us in Delta, we will continue to identify with your laudable commitment to the defence of our democracy and national cohesion even as you have used your medium to promote the rule of law, good governance, and fundamental rights of citizens.
“I join your family, staff of your media outfits, and well-wishers to celebrate with you on this auspicious occasion.
“It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health and sound mind to remain in service to our nation and humanity,” Oborevwori said.
In his congratulatory message, Anyaoku prayed to God to continue to bless Obaigbena for his service to the country.
“May God continue to bless you with good health and stamina for your enduring service to our country and the wider world community,” Anyaoku said.
On his part, Kalu in a statement noted the contributions of the media mogul in the growth of the journalism profession in Nigeria and Africa.
He said despite the challenges confronting the media industry, THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE TV are competing favourably with many media brands on the African continent.
The Deputy Speaker described Obaigbena as a colossus who has through his own consistent and concerted efforts, supported the ambitions of many in the profession.
“I congratulate my friend and brother, the media guru, Prince Nduka Obaigbena as he turns 64 today. His tremendous contributions to the media industry are well noted and the impact is immensely felt.
“He has contributed a great deal in the promotion of the journalism profession in the country and beyond. Aside from his laudable innovations that have shaped Nigeria’s media industry for decades, Obaigbena has also played a notable role in Nigeria’s political reform,” Kalu added.
