In this piece, Mike Ozekhome celebrates Prince Nduka Obaigbena’s 65th birthday, highlighting his visionary leadership in Nigerian journalism and his significant contributions to media innovation, press freedom, and philanthropy.
Mike Ozekhome celebrates Nduka Obaigbena, “a visionary man of excellence, a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism…”
He recently celebrated his 65th birthday, precisely on 14 July 2024, having been born on the same date in 1959. Prince Nduka Obiagbena has certainly changed the tune.
Today, I celebrate my good friend Obiagbena, a visionary man of excellence, a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, and a true pan-Nigerian patriot. As the founder, Chairman, and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Prince Obaigbena has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Nigerian media and beyond. His latest innovation, Arise Television, threatens to pull the rug from the feet of globally respected CNN.
Born into the royal family of Owa Kingdom, Delta State, Obiagbena attended Edo College, Benin City; the University of Benin; the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and the Advanced Management Programme at the University of Cape Town.
“Obaigbena’s journey into journalism began with a profound commitment to innovation and a relentless pursuit of truth and excellence.”
Prince Obaigbena’s journey into journalism began with a profound commitment to innovation and a relentless pursuit of truth and excellence. Not many Nigerians know that Nduka was a fledgling cartoonist in one of the students’ journals at his then-University of Benin, where he used the pseudonym “Lekeleke.” Not many Nigerians also know that before founding ThisDay, he founded ThisWeek magazine, which debuted in the 80s and became the flagship magazine in Nigeria.
I should know this because I was the legal adviser to the magazine and the Duke himself at their then-Ogunlana, Surulere, Lagos location. I should also know this because I had handled many of their top cases, including one defamation case against the late respected Prof. Tam David-West, a case that landed me in the DSS gulag in April 1986 (38 years ago) at the DSS’s Awolowo road, Ikoyi, Lagos office.
Not many Nigerians also know that the Duke’s restlessness and incredible ambition saw him become the Nigerian correspondent to two of the most respected international publications, Newsweek and Time magazines. He earned good dollars at a time when many of his peers were just comfortable with white-collar jobs that came with accommodation and a car as soon as they finished from the University.
“The Duke has shown an uncanny penchant for innovation, breaking new grounds and introducing new formats and platforms into the Nigerian media space”.
Nduka’s creation of ThisDay in 1995 marked the dawn of a new era in Nigerian print journalism, showcasing his remarkable talents. ThisDay quickly distinguished itself with its bold, investigative reporting, comprehensive coverage of national and international events, and sheer dedication to high-quality journalism. Under his able leadership, ThisDay has not only continued to entertain and inform, but it has also been shaping public opinion, building national institutions and bridges of understanding, holding leaders accountable and responsible to the Nigerian people, and giving voice to the voiceless.
By 2013, Prince Obaigbena, a former President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), had looked beyond the print media and expanded his media reach and influence with the launch of ARISE News Channel. This 24-hour international news channel has become a beacon of accurate and unbiased reporting, offering a fresh African perspective on global news. ARISE News has bridged gaps between continents, highlighting the stories that matter from Africa to the world and vice versa. The Duke has shown an uncanny penchant for innovation, breaking new grounds and introducing new formats and platforms into the Nigerian media space, including ThisDay Music Festival. (Continued below)
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Beyond the pages of newspapers and television screens, Prince Obaigbena’s contributions to journalism are also evident in his commitment to nurturing talents and fostering innovation. He has provided platforms for young journalists to grow and hone their skills. He has consistently pushed for advancement in media technology and practices, ensuring that Nigerian journalism remains competitive globally.
The Duke’s impact extends to his sustained advocacy for press freedom and a determination to create a more informed and enlightened society. Obiagbena has not only elevated the standard of journalism in Nigeria but has also inspired a new generation of journalists to pursue their craft with passion and integrity.
In philanthropy and humanitarianism, Prince Obaigbena’s contributions to various causes run into billions of naira. He ensures that his contributions, usually not advertised, focus on his pet areas of the media, education, healthcare, and social development. Here are some notable aspects of his philanthropy:
“Beyond the pages of newspapers and television screens, Prince Obaigbena’s contributions to journalism are also evident in his commitment to nurturing talents and fostering innovation.”
1. Media and Journalism: Through his media enterprises, Nduka has been instrumental in promoting freedom of the press and supporting investigative journalism in Nigeria and beyond.
2. Education: Obaigbena has supported educational initiatives, providing countless scholarships and funding for academic programs to help underprivileged students access quality education.
3. Healthcare: Nduka has contributed to healthcare projects, supporting medical facilities and initiatives to improve healthcare delivery in deserving communities.
4. Social Development: The Duke has been involved in various social development projects, including poverty alleviation, community development, and empowerment of marginalized groups.
5. Cultural Promotion: Nduka has also supported cultural initiatives and awareness, promoting African arts, culture, and heritage by sponsoring various events and media coverage.
His philanthropic endeavors reflect his commitment to leveraging his influence and resources to drive positive societal change. As we celebrate Prince Nduka Obaigbena’s 65 years on earth, we honour this grey-bearded man’s unquantifiable contributions to journalism, his unwavering dedication to the truth, his visionary leadership, and his rare sense of patriotism. His legacy is a testament to the power of the pen in shaping societies and the enduring importance of a free and independent press.
Happy Birthday, Nduka, the prince of Owa Kingdom and the Duke of Journalism. May your journey inspire and illuminate dim paths for all in many years. Amen.-END-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Prof. Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome - SAN, CON, OFR, is one of Nigeria's respected constitutional lawyers and human rights activist. He holds the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and is a constitutional law professor. He is also the principal partner of the prestigious law firm, Mike Ozekhome's Chambers, founded since 1986, and author of several books and publications.
The opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author, and does not necessarily align with the views of JolibaLive News! or any of its staff members. The author is in no way associated with this online news blog.
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