Like confetti, friends and well wishers have continued to send congratulatory messages to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of THE CONCLAVE (online newspaper), Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo, on his recent induction into the membership of the elite Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
A royal stamp was on Thursday added to the surfeit of congratulatory messages with the Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Alayeluwa Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarin touching base with the new member of the exclusive Guild.
Oba Abolarin, a lawyer, described the induction as “overdue and well deserved,’ adding, “Your commitment and contribution to the journalism profession are writ large. Membership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors is a big deal, and I am happy that your membership has received the significant approbation by the Guild. Congratulations, my dear brother.”
A former Petroleum Minister, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, CON, wrote: “Congratulations, my dear friend, Ojeifo, on your induction into NGE. Thanks be to God for all your achievements in journalism.”
A businessman/politician, Mr Tony Anenih, Jnr, sent in the following lines: “Congratulations, my dear brother. May the good Lord continue to shower His blessings on you.”
A former Head of the Department of Mass Communication in the late 80s, Mr Joseph Igbinedion, said in a telephone chat that he was happy to identify with the inductee, even as he congratulated him on his significant “initiation”.
Mr Igbinedion would further pen the following missive: “Dear Suffy, Congratulations on your induction into the prestigious NGE. God bless you always.”
Read the message from the Deputy Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, Baze University, Abuja and Professor of Communication, Abiodun Adeniyi: “Dear Mr. Ojeifo, this is a well-deserved honour, a consummation of long years of resilience, dedication, and tenacity, weaved around a philosophy of excellence, leading to a primacy amid writhes of writers. As an associate, I can attest to your great work ethic, and as a colleague, I can vouch for your commitment to professionalism. This honour is, therefore, a morning yet on the day of your increase. Be well. Many happy returns, once more. Congratulations.”
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Engagement, Mr Frederick Nwabufo wote: “Congratulations, Sir. Thank you for all you do. My very best wishes.”
Founder of Men Against Rape Foundation, Mr Lemmy Ughegbe in a congratulatory message, wrote: “Dear Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo,
“Congratulations on your well-deserved induction into the prestigious Nigerian Guild of Editors. Your journey as an editor has not only spanned a significant period but has also left an indelible mark on the journalistic landscape. Your commitment to mentoring emerging talents, evident in the numerous success stories that have blossomed under your guidance, reflects the true essence of leadership.
“As my former boss at Vanguard Newspapers, your editorial prowess and dedication were always apparent. Your extensive knowledge of Nigerian politics and history, coupled with your prolific writing, have contributed immensely to the depth and quality of journalism in our nation.
“Beyond the realm of journalism, your unwavering support for organisations like the Men Against Rape Foundation and Make A Difference Initiative showcases your commitment to social causes. Your tireless support to us in our efforts to combat gender-based violence and create safe spaces for the vulnerable highlight the impact a dedicated individual can make in the community.
“Your induction into the Nigerian Guild of Editors is not just an accolade but a testament to a career marked by excellence, mentorship, and a genuine passion for positive change. May this recognition serve as a reminder of the profound influence you’ve had on the journalistic sphere and beyond.
“Warmest congratulations once again.”
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, (where Mr Ojeifo worked for six years as Editor-in-Chief), Mr Emmah Adah, penned the following inspiring lines: “Congratulations on your well-deserved honour and recognition as a member of the prestigious Nigerian Guild of Editors.
“This honour is a significant milestone in the noble profession of journalism in Nigeria. May your membership of the Guild spur you to doing more for the community. Please keep the flame burning in the most entertaining, educating, and informative way. Congratulations, once again, my Editor-in-Chief.”
Messages of congratulations also came from a former Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Hon Samson Osagie (PhD), a governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress in Edo and former Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly, Hon Festus Ebea, a former Deputy Editor of Sunday Vanguard, Mr Sunny Areh, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of National Waves newspapers, Mr Victory Jimmy Enyeh, a seasoned journalist and editor with Peoples Daily, Mr Lateef Ibrahim, Secretary of Concerned Citizens Initiative for Progressive Community (CCIPC), Barrister C.J. Chinwuba, one-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon Taiwo Akintola, and a Canada-based investor, Mr Makinde Adenola, among several others.
Recall that Ojeifo and thirty-eight other editors were inducted at Uyo on Friday, November 17, 2023.
The General Secretary of the Guild, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, PhD, had said on the occasion that this year’s membership screening process was rigorous, saying that “of the 97 applications that were received, only 38 received the significant approbation of the committee and the Guild.”
The NGE is an elite club of Nigerian editors with over 300 members cutting across the print, broadcast, and online media. Induction into the Guild is like elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in the legal profession in Nigeria.
The Guild has Nigeria’s journalism greats as patrons, including the inimitable editor and publisher, Mr Sam Amuka of Vanguard newspaper, whose legendary column-“Sad Sam” in The Punch of yore poignantly interrogated societal ills and systemic failures; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun state and one-time editor of the Daily Times and Mr Ray Ekpu, an intrepid writer and one of the co-founders of Newswatch magazine. There are other leading lights of the Guild whose guidance has been invaluable.
Incidentally, the troika of Amuka, Osoba, and Ekpu stamped the authority of their presence at the 19th All Nigeria Editors Conference, which rounded off in Uyo on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
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