PUNCH Newspapers Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Iconic Photo Exhibition
As part of the vibrant festivities marking its 50th anniversary, PUNCH newspapers launches a captivating three-day photo exhibition today in Lagos. The exhibition, curated by former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, Steve Ayorinde, promises to take visitors on a visual journey through Nigeria's rich history as captured by the newspaper's iconic photographs.
The milestone celebrations commenced on Saturday, February 24, 2024, with a jubilant novelty football match at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos. Despite PUNCH's actual 50th anniversary falling in March 2023, the festivities were deferred to this year due to the timing coinciding with an election period last year.
The anniversary holds additional significance as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the passing of PUNCH's founding Chairman, the late Chief James Olubunmi Aboderin. The photo exhibition, hosted at the Alliance Francaise de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, will feature 100 iconic photographs showcasing pivotal moments in Nigeria's history and the newspaper's integral role in shaping public discourse.
From the dynamic activism of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to the indomitable spirit of human rights champion Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the exhibition promises a comprehensive visual narrative of Nigeria's evolution over the past five decades.
Following the photo exhibition, attention shifts to a distinguished public lecture scheduled for Thursday, February 29, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, will deliver the keynote address, delving into critical national issues.
Speaking on the significance of the exhibition, Ayorinde, a former editor of PUNCH, emphasized the newspaper's enduring commitment to social relevance and journalistic excellence. The curated collection not only celebrates PUNCH's illustrious past but also reflects its unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of Nigerian society.
With a blend of nostalgia and anticipation, the PUNCH 50th-anniversary celebrations affirm the newspaper's enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Nigerian journalism, resonating with audiences across generations.
