The Management and members of staff of The RELIANCE Newspaper, penultimate Friday rolled out their drums in celebration of the tabloid’s 15th anniversary. The event took place at the prestigious Thames Event Centre in Benin City, Edo State.
Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the newspaper company, Sir Ralph Okhiria in his remarks, said they were celebrating 15 years of unbroken newspaper production, even as he thanked God for the unmerited grace to continue to be in business despite the harsh economic environment in the country..
He also paid glowing tributes to Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, General Superintendent of the New Covenant Gospel Church and Etose Dickson Imasogie, one of the most refined and distinguished Nigerian political heavyweights, for their continuous assistance to his newspaper company.
Okhiria used the occasion to decorate the duo of Rev. Dr. Omobude and Etose Imasogie, as Life and Grand Patrons, respectively of The RELIANCE Newspaper Company.
The company also gave meritorious awards to some deserving Nigerians, amongst whom were Etose Dickson Imasogie, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, HRH Prince Jason Akenzua – Enogie of Ologbo, Comrade Festus Alenkhe – Edo State Council chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor – former governor of Edo State.
A renowned political scholar and public policy consultant, Dr. Isaiah Osifo, who delivered the public lecture titled: “Mobilization of the rural dwellers for sociopolitical participation and economic development in a democratic system: the roles of community newspapers in Nigeria”, commended The RELIANCE Newspaper for weathering the storm of newspaper publishing for 15 solid years and still counting, in an unfriendly and challenging economy.
He however called on the three tiers of government, well-to-do Nigerians and organisations to cultivate the habit of lending supports to community newspapers in Nigeria because of their importance to the developmental wellbeing of the rural communities.
It was a torrent of praises and encomiums when privileged attendees spoke glowingly about the desirability and credibility of The RELIANCE Newspaper which they gave over ninety percent pass mark.
Highpoint of the event attended by a cream of the society, was the cutting of the anniversary cake.
Below are some faces that were present at the epochal anniversary celebration.
To God be the glory.
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