The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ will honour 20 veteran journalists and media professionals at its 2026 Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, as the union marks 71 years since its founding.
The recipients, drawn from print and electronic media across the country, were selected for their longstanding contributions to journalism and the Nigerian media industry.
The event, scheduled to hold in Abuja, will take place on a date and at a venue soon to be announced by the union.
Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said the ceremony would bring together prominent figures from the media, business, entertainment and government.
He said two state governors would also be recognised for their support for media development and their media-friendly disposition.
Onayiga described the forthcoming edition as potentially the best organised since the initiative was introduced by the NUJ national leadership four years ago.
The annual recognition is designed to celebrate veteran journalists, media owners and institutional leaders who have contributed to shaping public discourse and upholding the integrity of the press.
NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, described the media as “the custodian of democratic narratives,” saying the recognition provides an opportunity to honour outstanding professionals while they are still alive.
Past recipients include Vanguard Publisher, Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu; Channels Media Group Chairman, Dr John Momoh; the late DAAR Communications Chairman, Dr Raymond Dokpesi; Ray Ekpu; Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Prof Umaru Pate; Prof Tonnie Iredia; Senator Chris Anyanwu; Dan Agbese; Comfort Obi and Dare Babarinsa.
Other past honourees include Pa Henry Odukomaya, Dr Danladi Bako, Obong Moses Ekpo, Mrs Agbeke Ogunsanwo, Pa Felix Adenaike and the late John Ajayi of Marketing Edge.
Public officials recognised in previous editions include Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey Eno, for his support for media infrastructure, and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, described by the union as a workers and media-friendly leader.