PUNCH Nigeria Limited, the publisher of the popular publications NewsNow, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, and PUNCH Online, recently marked its 50th anniversary with a series of celebratory events.
Although the firm officially turned 50 on March 18, 2023, the celebration was postponed to the current year due to the country’s election year. The festivities kicked off with a lively novelty football match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium) on Saturday. Sporting our signature red and white colors, we cheered on our team, PUNCHERS FC, against Media Amalgamated FC, comprising colleagues from various media houses.
Despite Media Amalgamated FC’s narrow 2-1 victory, we embraced the spirit of sportsmanship and pressed ahead with the celebrations. A three-day photo exhibition at Alliance Française de Lagos showcased iconic images from the nation’s history, providing a visual journey through important events captured by our lenses.
A distinguished public lecture featuring Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka will take place at the Civic Centre in Lagos on Thursday, followed by a black-tie dinner at Eko Hotels and Suites on Saturday, March 2, to honor stakeholders’ contributions to PUNCH’s success.
The climax of the anniversary celebrations will be a staff party on March 9, where past and present employees will be honored for their dedication and commitment to PUNCH’s legacy. As someone who has been part of this journey for 23 years, I eagerly anticipate the festivities and reflect on the growth and evolution I have witnessed firsthand.
My journalistic odyssey at PUNCH began humbly, from the communication desk processing stories received via fax machines, a far cry from today’s digital workflows. Transitioning to field assignments covering diverse beats like crime, general news, and religion, I eventually found myself reporting from Oyo State and later from the Presidential Villa in Abuja before returning to the headquarters.
Last year, former PUNCH staffers unveiled a comprehensive book titled “OUR PUNCH YEARS,” offering insights and anecdotes from their experiences at the renowned newspaper. Personally acquainted with many contributors, the narratives resonated with me, reflecting the shared history and camaraderie that defines our workplace.
One enduring memory from my time as PUNCH’s Oyo State correspondent involves a memorable encounter with Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, the company’s chairman. Initially skeptical of a supposed phone call from Chief Ogunshola requesting my assistance, I soon realized the gravity of the situation and swiftly complied with his task, earning respect despite my initial doubts.
As we celebrate PUNCH’s rich history and enduring legacy, I fondly recall the moments of growth, camaraderie, and professionalism that have shaped my journey alongside dedicated colleagues and esteemed mentors. Here’s to another 50 years of journalistic excellence and camaraderie at PUNCH!