Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday congratulated the immediate past Editor of The PUNCH, Dayo Oketola, during the public presentation of his book titled ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens.’

The book was unveiled at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, with several dignitaries and media stakeholders gracing the occasion and pouring encomiums on the former PUNCH Editor.

Oketola bowed out as The PUNCH Editor in June this year after nearly two decades as an accomplished journalist with multiple awards nationally and internationally.

While speaking, Obasanjo, who unveiled the book, discussed the need for Nigeria to enable a conducive business environment for investors in order to attract revenue to the country.

The former President took the attendees through the history of telecommunication firms in Nigeria, especially during his time as President.

He explained how the government created a competitive environment for mobile telecommunication networks such as MTN, GLO, Airtel and 9Mobile, among others.

Obasanjo said his government achieved competition and attracted money to Nigeria.

“That opportunity can still be made available. The money to develop Nigeria is out there. That money will not come unless we create a conducive environment for that money to come.

“What we did, what Nigeria has done in the good days when things were going well are still there and can still be done today.

“When we show the character and the attribute, and we show the understanding and the knowledge to make this country a great country that God has created it to be – a land flowing with milk and honey – not a land of insecurity, not a land of lack of prosperity but a land where everybody can enough for himself or herself,” the former President said.

The event was also graced by a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Amaechi, in a very brief speech, commended Oketola on the milestone achieved.

He did not fail to lament that the condition in which journalists are practising journalism in Nigeria now is worse than in the military era.

While speaking, the former Editor, Oketola, said his exaugural event was not the end of his journalism career but a mark of the end of his career as an Editor of The PUNCH.

In his introductory speech at the lecture titled ‘Print Journalism in Peril: Challenging Times for Newspaper Editors,’ Oketola said, “This occasion marks a significant milestone in my professional journey — a journey that has spanned about two decades of dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of journalism.”

Oketola said the media industry at this age faces critical challenges, especially with the advent of online journalism and social media, describing the moment as a time for industry players to re-strategise and harness the opportunities presented by the social realities.

He said, “As we gather here today, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in the history of print journalism. The industry faces unprecedented challenges — from the disruptive impact of social media to the evolving demands of our readership. Yet, in these challenges lie opportunities for innovation, reinvention and a reaffirmation of the core values that define our noble profession.”

He stressed that his appointment as an Editor of the most widely read newspaper in Nigeria at a young age was a testament that long years of experience were not a criterion for leadership in the newsroom as being held by some media veterans.

“This perspective (of being old to lead) is both flawed and detrimental to the dynamism of the media industry,” he said, adding, “age is indeed just a number and leadership capability is not determined solely by the length of time one has spent in the industry. Instead, leadership is shaped by dedication, creativity, hard work and often the grace of God.”

He added, “In Nigeria, some years ago, we had the ‘Not too young to rule’ mantra. In the media, we also have the ‘not too young to become a newspaper editor.’”

Other prominent dignitaries and media stakeholders who graced the occasion include the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, and the chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation, Sam Omatseye.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was also represented at the event.

The founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church C&S (Worldwide), Revd. Esther Ajayi, was also present just as families and friends of the ex-editor flooded the event.

The event was chaired by former Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoti, while the book review was done by the Convener, Centre for Social Media Research, Dr Akin Olaniyan.

While speaking, the Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Omotoso, said the state government was planning new innovations in the area of ICT as it resonates with the title of the book being launched by Oketola.

The innovations according to the commissioner include the plan to provide public internet access in Lagos.

Past and present staff members and management of PUNCH Nigeria Limited also graced the event.

At the event on September 11, 2024, at The USB Arena in New York, Taylor Swift led the nominees with 12 nods of which she won 7 for the highest win of the night.

Tyla’s smash hit ‘Water’ fended off competition from Ayra Starr’s ‘Last Heartbreak Song’, Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational’ featuring Lojay and Davido, Usher’s ‘Ruin’ featuring Pheelz, Tems’ ‘Love Me Jeje’ to the award.

Tyla’s ‘Water’ has dominated the award season with the song winning the Best African Song Performance category at the 66th Grammys.

See the full winners list of the 2024 VMAs below.

Video of the Year

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

Artist of the Year

Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”

Best New Artist

Chappell Roan

MTV Push Performance of the Year

June 2024: LE SSERAFIM – “EASY”

Best Collaboration

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

Best Pop

Taylor Swift

Best Hip-Hop

Eminem – “Houdini”

Best R&B

SZA – “Snooze”

Best Alternative

Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”

Best Rock

Lenny Kravitz – “Human”

Best Latin

Anitta – “Mil Veces”

Best Afrobeats

Tyla – “Water”

Best K-Pop

LISA – “Rockstar”

Video For Good

WINNER: Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From The Motion Picture “Barbie”)”

Best Direction

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

Best Editing

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

Best Choreography

Dua Lipa – “Houdini”

Best Visual Effects

Eminem – “Houdini”

Best Art Direction

Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”

Best Trending Video

Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi”

Best Group

SEVENTEEN

Song of the Summer

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

VMAs Most Iconic Performance

Katy Perry – “Roar”

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

Katy Perry

Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans in 2025.

On Sunday, the National Football League, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced that Lamar would lead the half-time festivities from the Caesars Superdome on February 9.

“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement. “They got the right one.”

It will be the second time the rapper, who has won 17 Grammys, will be performing in one of the most coveted events in music. It will also be the first time he will be the main act.

“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation co-produces the halftime show, said in a statement.

“His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

On his part, Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, said: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar”.

“Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop.”

The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper performed as a guest artiste with Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Mary J Blige in 2022.

Lamar has enjoyed huge success since his debut album in 2012. He became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album ‘DAMN’.

The Super Bowl is the biggest sports event in the United States.