The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is launching its Living Archives Initiative in Lagos, alongside a digital platform aimed at preserving Africa’s media history.

The event will also feature the unveiling of ‘Ladbone: A Life in Print,’ a collection of essays honouring veteran journalist Lade Bonuola, popularly known as Ladbone, as he marks his 80th birthday.

The initiative seeks to preserve and make accessible historical newspaper records, photographs, broadcast recordings and personal accounts documenting the lives and contributions of people who have shaped journalism across Africa.

Mr Bonuola, whose journalism career spans more than five decades, began at the Daily Times before becoming the pioneer editor and managing director of The Guardian. He also co-founded The Comet newspaper in 1999 and held senior editorial positions at other media organisations.

The book features contributions from more than 80 editors, media managers, academics, political figures and industry experts, reflecting on his career and the evolution of Nigerian journalism.

CJID said the digital platform would serve journalists, researchers, students and the public, providing access to historical records that could inform discussions on press freedom, professional standards and democratic development.

The programme will feature panel discussions, a book review and the formal unveiling of the anthology.

Follow PREMIUM TIMES for live updates of the event.

11:23am

Loftyhighart quartet led by violinking serenade arriving guests with calm music

At 11:32, some guests are seated, waiting for the event to start.

At 11:40 a.m., the celebrant, Mr Lade Banuola, arrived at the main hall for the event.

At 11: 47 a.m., participants celebrated Mr Lade Banuola with a clap.

At 11:50 a.m., the participants stood for the national prayer.

At 11:53, the Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, stated that the event was organised to celebrate an accomplished editor.

11:49

Funke Treasure comperes the event as celebrations begin.

12:00pm

We are grateful for his labour of love, Dapo Olorunyomi, PREMIUM TIMES publisher

At 12 p.m, Mr Olorunyomi stated that last year the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development established the archive to document events.

12:10

Chiamaka Ozurumba of CJID, stated that the organisation had worked on this project for over a year. She noted that it has taken a lot of pain to get some of these materials out.

Ms Ozurumba stated, “Journalists have documented our political transitions, our democratic struggles, and the exercise of power and everyday experiences of our society. But journalism is not our starting point.

“Our wider ambition is to build a repository that eventually extends beyond journalism to other disciplines like medicine, like banking, like science, because all of this, all of the knowledge production over the years needs to be preserved, and we understand that importance.”

12:17

Presentation of Living Archives Initiative a digital platform aimed at preserving Africa’s media history.

12:18 p.m.

Ms Ozurumba noted, “the photographs we are putting today, the articles we publish, the interviews we record, and the documents we create are the potential archive of tomorrow.”

12:25 p.m.

The former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, stated that Mr Lade Banuola started work with Daily Times in February 1971.

12:30 p.m.

Mr Osoba noted that Mr Bonuola was a professional who takes his time to look at punctuation marks in the story. He stated that Mr Banuola was a committed journalist.

12:34pm

Former Governor of Ogun State Olusegun Osoba recounts work experiences with Lade Bonuola

12:44 p.m.

The Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Frank Keurhorst, stated in his remarks, “A free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy,”

He added that preserving the stories of those who fought for and defended freedom, often under difficult circumstances, is equally important.

According to him, this is why the CJID Living Archives initiative, documenting the experiences, contributions, and lessons of journalism across generations to help ensure that this important history, “is so valuable.”

12:49 p.m.

Mr Keurhorst added, “As we celebrate Mr Bonuola today, I hope we also recognise the many journalists, editors, and media professionals who continue this important work, sometimes and regrettably, under very challenging circumstances.

Mr Bonuola, congratulations on your 80th birthday today, and thank you, thank you for your contributions to Nigerian journalism and for the example you have set for generations of media professionals. Thank you.”

1:17p.m.

Panel discussion moderated by Azu Ishiekwene.

1:20 p.m.

Members of a panel session titled ‘Whose Story Gets Told? The Future of Nigerian Journalism’ was announced.

1:30 p.m.

Ms Ozurumba said that at CJID, most of the staff members are young people because the future belongs to them.

1:37 p.m.

“There’s a new ecosystem being built. It is important for people who want to establish news organisations to embrace the future,” said Kadaria Ahmed, during panel discussion on the topic, ‘Whose story gets told? The future of Nigerian journalism’.

1:45 p.m.

Ms Ozurumba said newsrooms must learn how to better present their stories. Explaining further, she noted that stories must have video explainers that capture what is in the story for young people.

1:53 p.m.

Chiamaka Ozurumba of CJID said, “We must work together for the future of journalism.”

2:02 p.m.

Veteran editor and author, Kunle Ajibade, reviews the book, ‘Ladbone: A Life in Print’.

2:06 p.m.

Mr Ajibade reviews the book, ‘Ladbone: A Life in Print,’ a collection of essays honouring veteran journalist Lade Bonuola, popularly known as Ladbone, as he marks his 80th birthday.

2: 19 p.m.

Mr Ajibade said, “In honouring Lade Bonuola, they considerably honour themselves.

“In the parable of the elephant and the wise blind men, all those who touch different parts of a huge animal draw different conclusions.

“As in this book, all the different perspectives return the same verdict. Lade Banuola is a strong breed.”

He also said that The Guardian was not set up to support tyranny and murder, adding tht Lade Bonuola “did not come over to The Guardian to talk with tyrannical and murderous leaders or plans of apology.”

2:25 p.m.

Chairman of the occasion, former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, set to unveil the book, ‘Ladbone: A Life in Print’.

2:30 p.m.

Chairman of the occasion, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, unveils the book, ‘Ladbone: A Life in Print’.

Members of Great Movement with Mr Lade Banuola

2:59 p. m.

Lade Bonuola thanks Dapo Olorunyomi for organising the event in his honour.

In his remarks, Mr Bonuola said he loves Mr Olorunyomi because of his matchless application and dedication to work. He noted that he does not miss reading PREMIUM TIMES stories daily.