Two prominent traditional rulers, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adewale Tejuoso and Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola on Thursday joined Penppushing Media in celebrating its 8th anniversary lecture.
Penpushing reports that the well packaged and colourful anniversary with the theme, “Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability’, was held at the prestigious marquee events centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
The royal fathers arrived the venue in companied of number of their chiefs, to be part of the historic event, which attracted guests within and outside the country, as well as students from various higher institutions
Penpushing further reports that the attendance of the monarchs added glamour to the event, which was organized by Penpushing Media, first online newspaper and television to start operations in Abeokuta, town where journalism started in 1859 in Nigeria.
The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, in his remarks commended the management and anniversary committee for their foresight in working towards adding values to positive growth of Nigeria in the media space across the globe.
Penpushing also reports that Tejuoso urged political actors to allow judges to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without interference and advised election losers to accept judicial decisions with maturity, recalling his participation as a delegate to the 1994/95 Constitutional Conference.
The royal father commended Penpushing Media for sustaining an annual platform that promotes intellectual discourse on issues of national importance, describing the initiative as a valuable contribution to democratic development and civic enlightenment.
Penpushing reports that he praised Penpushing Media’s consistency in fostering informed public conversations through its annual anniversary lecture series, stressed the importance of electoral integrity, noting that credible elections remain the bedrock of democratic governance and sustainable national development.
The Osile called on political leaders to place national interest above personal ambition, urging them to demonstrate integrity, accountability and selfless service, and encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive through responsible citizenship and peaceful civic engagement.
Penpushing further reports that he urged stakeholders to support reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, especially those aimed at improving transparency, justice and public confidence in elections.
The first-class traditional ruler commended journalists for their watchdog role, while reminding media practitioners to uphold professionalism, objectivity and ethical reporting in the public interest.
Penpushing also reports that he appealed for unity, peace and tolerance before, during and after elections, stressing that national cohesion is more valuable than political victories.
The monarch expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic future, stating that with committed leadership, responsible citizens and strong institutions, the country can overcome its governance challenges.
Penpushing reports that Olowu of Owu on his part emphasized the indispensable role of credible journalism in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and equally commended Penpushing Media for sustaining an annual intellectual platform that promotes national dialogue, democratic values and public accountability.
The royal father described the media as a vital pillar of democracy, stressing that a responsible press remains essential for transparency, good governance and informed citizen participation, and called for the restoration of public trust in democratic institutions, noting that electoral integrity is fundamental to national stability and development.
Penpushing further reports that he urged political leaders to embrace accountability and ethical leadership, arguing that democracy can only flourish when those in authority are answerable to the people.
The monarch encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy, but to continue engaging constructively in the electoral process while demanding reforms where necessary, and equally praised the choice of lecture theme, describing it as timely in view of Nigeria’s evolving democratic experience.
Penpushing also reports that Olowu charged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness and accuracy, reminding media practitioners that responsible reporting strengthens public confidence in governance.
The monarch reaffirmed the traditional institution’s support for initiatives that promote peace, civic education and national development, emphasizing that dialogue remains a powerful tool for resolving societal challenges.
Penpushing reports that the founder of the establishment, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji in his welcome address reflected on the organisation’s eight-year journey, recounting its pioneering role in online journalism in Abeokuta, town where journalism started in 1859 in Nigeria and appreciating stakeholders whose support has sustained the organisation’s growth.
‘I welcome everyone, to this remarkable occasion which is another feat in the existence of Penpushing Media. It is gratifying to note that Penpushing Media is the first online newspaper to start operations in Abeokuta, the town where journalism started in 1859 in Nigeria’, he emphasised.
‘The lecture has become an annual event with resounding successes, and as the driver of this project, I want to profusely appreciate everybody on behalf of the Management, Editorial Board and members across the globe’.
‘I am also happy to inform the gathering that this edition is the successive eight edition as we make bold to say that we are now a household name in the media industry globally because of our demonstration of authenticity in news dissemination’.
‘As at today, we are in partnership with: United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Leading Women Africa in South Africa, Metropolitan Broadcasting Services, Alaba Lawson Group of Schools, Fad Maestro Academy. We are also members of the Guild of Online Corporate Publishers (GOCOP), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and International Press Institute (IPI), among others’.
‘In the course of our media journey, we have received various awards and recognitions within and outside Nigeria. Similarly, we took another giant stride, in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), to train journalists across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. In the same vein, in collaboration with UNIC, we organized webinars to celebrate World Press Freedom Day’.
‘I am also happy to inform the gathering that within this period of our existence, we have launched additional projects, which include broadcast equipment with studio to boost our operations through live streaming of events via our website, as well as the introduction of our online television. Our corporate headquarters is now located at Leme Axis of Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta, as well as a branch office at Press Centre, Iwe-Iroyin, Abeokuta. This also includes foreign contacts in Canada and the United Kingdom’.
‘Penpushing also resolved to contribute to the positive growth of mass communication/journalism undergraduates and, as at today, we have trained over 90 students from various tertiary institutions across the country who had their practical training (industrial attachment) with us’.
‘Similarly, Penpushing now engages in providing relief for the needy through educational sponsorship, provision of materials and food items to orphanage homes. Those who want to support can contact the Editorial Board via email at penpushing@yahoo.com or through the following WhatsApp contacts: 08073463653, 08033033398, 08033516593, 08034756184 and 08033459464.
‘Our choice of Femi Falana (SAN) as the keynote speaker was due to his track record with his connection to the grassroots and being a multi-perspective personality, highly cerebral and resourceful person. A renowned legal practitioner and human rights activist, who will today positively expand the frontiers of our knowledge within the framework of the theme: “Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability.”
‘Looking back, the journey has not really been easy, hence, I must appreciate members of the Editorial Board, which include: Olufunke Fadugba (Former Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council and former General Manager, News, Raypower FM), Eddy Aina (Former Director, National Broadcasting Commission), Chief Femi Shodunke (a veteran Nigerian journalist resident in Canada), Yemisi Fadairo (a vibrant media practitioner/consultant) and our Legal Consultant, Barrister Benjamin Ogunmodede’.
‘A big thanks to the Planning Committee ably led by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi (Chairperson), Adesina Adefolahan (Secretary) as well as other members namely, Yemisi Fadairo, Mrs Oluwaseun Shodiya, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Mrs Toyin Ogunbomehin, Dr Adewunmi Alayaki and Hon Remmy Hazzan our constant moderator.
‘To our advertisers both on the brochure and our website, I thank you all as I also appeal to our members and numerous readers on the need to consider Penpushing Media for advert placement in view of the fact that this is one major and crucial tonic for survival. Finally, I once again welcome all of us to this well-designed and packaged occasion’, Kayode-Adedeji said
Penpushing further reports that highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola; Femi Falana(SAN)General Overseer Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, and Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Broadcasting Services in recognition of their contributions, nation-building and support for Penpushing Media.
The Panelists, including Professor Babatunde Ekanola, Comrade Sulaimon Arigbabu, Wemimo Adewunmi and Stella Sawyer, maintained that the monetisation of politics continues to undermine Nigeria’s democracy, with some advocating a review of the presidential system and greater civic participation as pathways to democratic renewal.
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