A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Ogunniyi Oluwaseun, has congratulated Nigeria’s most widely read newspaper and media giant, PUNCH, on its 50th anniversary.
PUNCH, publishers of The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH and PUNCH Online, clocked 50 on March 18, 2023.
Founded in March 1973, PUNCH clocked 50 on March 18 last year but its Board of Directors moved the 50th-anniversary celebration to this year because the anniversary month fell within an election month and year.
In a letter dated February 21, 2024 and addressed to the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adeyeye Joseph; titled, ‘Congratulatory and goodwill felicitation on Punch Newspaper 50th anniversary,’ the lawmaker representing the Ojomu/Balogun constituency commended PUNCH for its consistent, ethical and balanced journalism.
Oluwaseun, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Energy, lauded PUNCH for its “dynamic adaptation and transition from a core traditional print media into a hybrid media group.”
The lawmaker added that PUNCH has “managed to retain its relevance and core brand identity whilst fully embracing digital technology and the disruptive influence of social media.”
The letter read, “I was delighted to receive the invitation to the 50th anniversary celebration of Punch Newspaper, a reputable and iconic media organisation that has consistently and courageously delivered balance, relevant, impactful and ethical journalistic content to Nigerians and the world over the last 50 years.
“This auspicious milestone also coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the transition of the highly revered founding Chairman, Chief James Olu Aboderin, who passed away on February 28, 1984.
“He is fondly remembered for his pioneering efforts that set Punch Media Group on a trajectory of positive impact and growth which successive leadership of the organisation has sustained.”
Oluwaseun, also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Education and Human Capital Development, described the media company’s celebration as a “half-century of outstanding journalistic dedication, leadership and remarkable contributions to the unity, growth and development of this country.
“I heartily congratulate the board, management and entire staff of Punch Newspaper on reaching this incredible milestone of 50 years! Please accept my best wishes for continued success as this media giant is steered into yet a remarkable future.”