PUNCH Nigeria Limited, the leading print and digital media group in Nigeria, is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of exciting events in Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Olufolakemi Gbemuotor, its General Manager of Corporate Services, the anniversary, which originally fell on March 18, 2023, was moved to this year due to the coinciding with an election month and year.
The statement added that the celebrations will also mark the 40th anniversary of the passing of the late Chief James Olubunmi Aboderin, the founding Chairman of PUNCH.
“The weeklong festivities will commence on Saturday, February 24, with a novelty match between Team PUNCH and the Nigeria Media XI at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos Island. Former Super Eagles players, Victor Agali and Brown Ideye will coach both teams.
“Starting from Wednesday, February 28, PUNCH will host a three-day photo exhibition at the Alliance Francaise de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi. This exhibition will showcase the best photographs from PUNCH’s extensive pictorial archive, covering the biggest news events in Nigeria’s history.
“The highlight of the anniversary celebrations will be a distinguished public lecture, scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 29, at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island. The lecture is expected to be attended by leaders from both the public and private sectors.
“On Saturday, March 2, the anniversary celebrations will conclude with a black-tie dinner at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. This event is aimed at acknowledging the contributions of PUNCH’s stakeholders to the success of the organization”, the statement stated further.
Speaking on the anniversary, Mrs Angela Emuwa, the Chairman of PUNCH’s board of directors, described the anniversary and the 40th remembrance of her father as twin milestones worth celebrating.
She emphasised the impact that PUNCH has made in Nigeria over the past five decades and expressed her gratitude to those who have supported the organisation through thick and thin.
Mr Adeyeye Joseph, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, described PUNCH as a national treasure that has stood with Nigeria throughout its journey.
He emphasised that the anniversary celebrations will be for all Nigerians who believe in the values that PUNCH has consistently promoted over the years.
The grand finale of the anniversary will be a staff party on March 9, where current and former staff members will be honored for their contributions to PUNCH’s successes.
