It was all praise and a pat in the back as dignitaries took turns to fete the National Network group of newspapers.
At the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt which was filled to capacity, many individuals and groups have one thing or the other to say about the unrelenting efforts of the publisher of National Network and his team which culminated in the 15 years anniversary celebration.
Some of those who spoke represented the cross sections of the society, from media, politics, academia, religion and other social groups.
From the media family, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuike, Publisher of Port Harcourt Telegraph and a former member of the National Assembly said that passion to ensure flow of information had brought about the vision of the publisher of the National Network newspaper. He acknowledged that the newspaper has its tentacles spread everywhere, adding that through this it has continued to impact the society positively over the years.
“We love what you are doing,” the publisher of Port Harcourt Telegraph stated and observed that both the wife and family members of the Publisher stood behind him to accomplish the vision.
He concluded by saying that the event was an evidence that the media will no longer accept tyranny in the society.
Another publisher, Hon. Boma Harry, expressed joy that the publisher displayed exemplary quality for staging an occasion of that magnitude and noted that it was a proof that something good could come out of Rivers State. She expressed delight that the publisher who just became the Chairman of Rivers State Independent Publishers Association will take the body to a higher level.
Senator Lee Meba, in his goodwill address said the anniversary was all about integrity and service. He described himself as an avid reader of the publication who had witnessed its transition at different times it had celebrated one anniversary or the other. He said that the newspaper as presently constituted is such that could be accessed anywhere around the globe. An excited Senator Meba said the National Network newspaper is the Niger Delta of Nigeria. According to him, the tabloid is out to always protect the interest of the region. He said, through its vast readership and experienced staff contributions, the publication has always projected the cries and conditions of the region.
Others who spoke were unanimous in their speeches that the sky remained the limit for the newspaper as there were evidence it would continue to wax greater in the coming years.
