PUNCH Nigeria Limited, the prominent print and digital media group, is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of significant events in Lagos.
The renowned publisher of leading newspaper titles such as The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, and PUNCH Online reached the milestone on March 18, 2023.
However, due to the anniversary month coinciding with an election period, the board of directors decided to move the celebration to this year.
The 50th-anniversary festivities, coupled with the 40th remembrance of the founding Chairman, late Chief James Olubunmi Aboderin, will commence on February 24 with a novelty match between Team PUNCH and the Nigeria Media XI.
This match, coached by former Super Eagles players Victor Agali and Brown Ideye, will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
From February 28 to March 2, PUNCH will host a three-day photo exhibition at the Alliance Francaise de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre, showcasing iconic images from its extensive pictorial archive.
The pinnacle of the celebration is a distinguished public lecture on February 29 at the Civic Centre, featuring leaders from both the public and private sectors.
The weeklong activities will culminate on March 2 with a black-tie dinner at Eko Hotels and Suites, acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders to PUNCH’s success.
Mrs. Angela Emuwa, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, sees this celebration as an opportunity to honor twin milestones, reflecting on PUNCH’s significant impact over five decades and remembering the late founding chairman.
Adeyeye Joseph, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, describes PUNCH as a national treasure that has stood with Nigeria through thick and thin.
He emphasizes that the anniversary is not just a festive occasion but a chance to celebrate the newspaper’s remarkable heritage and unwavering editorial independence.
The grand finale on March 9 will be a staff party, where current and former staff will be honored for their contributions to PUNCH’s success.
Additionally, a special commemorative anniversary publication will be distributed at various events, marking the golden jubilee anniversary of the newspaper.
