Two Nigerian Observer Newspapers Pioneer Founding Fathers Fault Edo Govt Hall Of Fame Induction
By Simeon OSAJIE
Two of the Nigerian Observer Newspapers pioneer founding fathers has faulted the recent Edo State government induction of some Nigerians into Hall of Fame of the Newspapers leaving behind pioneer founding fathers out of the induction.
They are Ramonu Omozuanfo, first Photographer who covered Nigeria Civil War in 1968 and Festus Ruppee.
Speaking to newsmen in Benin, Ramonu Omozuanfo who listed some of the pioneer founding fathers which include Neville Ukoli, Prince Eduns Akenzua, Tom Boarha, Sam Eguaveon, Andy Akporugo, Taro Joseph, Pius Agun, David Omoruyi, Austin Momodu, Kate Oyegun, Ephraim Olua all of blessed memories noted that the only surviving among them are Festus Ruppee, High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon and his humble self Ramonu Omozuanfo and wondered why Governor Obaseki did not deem it important to asked questions before the induction.
According to him, “The first General Manager of The Nigerian Observer Newspaper was recognized wrongly with his pen name ‘Abiodun Aloba’ instead of his real name ‘Ebenezer Will’.”
Omozuanfo appealed to Governor Obaseki correct the misinformation before he leaves office on the 12th of November, 2024.
“I was shocked to see Edo state government recognized those who never passed through The Nigerian Observer Newspapers establishment, none worked under organization.
“I was a pioneering staff of The Nigerian Observer Newspaper. My appointment started 28th May, 1968 and the following day was the day (May 29, 1968) The Nigerian Observer Newspaper was launched. I am bona fide member of staff of the newspaper.
“On 11th of September, 1968, when I set out from the Nigeria civil war, was I not worthy as a person who covered the war for The Nigerian Observer Newspapers to be honour among the Hall of Fame?
“Even when The Nigerian Observer Newspapers was closed in 1978, I emerged as the best worker; Philip Edore was the Chairman of The Nigerian Observer Newspapers Board as at that time. He came and told me that I made the organization proud.
“High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon was the first Senior Reporter to be employed by the Nigerian Observer Newspapers in 1968. His image as a young reporter is the statue of The Observer till date. His statue is wearing native skirt.
“Those I think ought to have been honour by the government include Neville Ukoh, Prince Edun Akenzua, Tom Boarha, Sam Eguaveon, Andy Akporugo, Ramonu Omozuanfo, Taro Joseph, Pius Agun, David Omoruyi, Festus Ruppee, Austine Momodu, Kate Oyegun,
Recall Edo State government recently inducted veteran journalists and media luminaries, including former staff of the Nigerian Observer into The Nigerian Observer Hall of Fame.
Those honoured include former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Tony Iredia; Founder of Channels Television, Tony Momoh; Founder of Thisday Newspapers and Arise Television and former staff of Nigerian Observer, Nduka Obaigbena; veteran broadcaster, Sunny Irabor; Founder of BusinessDay Newspaper, Frank Aigbogun; Founder, Tell Magazine, Nosa Igiebor and pioneer General Manager of Midwest Newspapers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Observer, Ebenezer Williams Abiodun Aloba.
