Dignitaries converged in the ancient city of Ondo on Friday, 7th June 2024 as it played host to the thirty years anniversary of Glamour Magazine.
The landmark event which was held at Ade Olotu Event Hall And Suites, along Brigadier Ademulegun road, Ondo city brought together dignitaries from all walks of life within and outside the country to celebrate three decades of dedication and excellence in journalism.
The anniversary was used to not only celebrate the years of existence of the magazine but also to celebrate individuals who have been pillars of strength for the magazine over the past three decades.
It was also used as an avenue to address issues affecting the modern Nigerian society and how journalism can be used properly to resolve them in order to move the country forward for the benefit of all.
The anniversary celebration kicked off with a Colloquium tagged “Journalism that works for the people” and had prominent speakers addressing the gathering on how journalism can be employed effectively to improve the living conditions of the common man.
Addressing the audience, the Publisher of Glamour Magazine, Chief Femi Bello travelled down memory lane to express his joy at the landmark celebration of Glamour Magazine’s thirty years anniversary describing how they broke away from the media culture practiced in the past to establish the magazine against all odds.
The Publisher of Glamour Magazine, Chief Femi Bello addressing guests at the anniversary.
He said “In Nigeria, a newspaper/newsmagazine is most often established to promote the ideals of its owners, either or not political, social, economic or religion. But this was not so with “Glamour Magazine”. Rather, the unfolding political scenario of 1992 coupled with the socio-economic situation prevailing in the nation then spurred the Management of Glamour Communications Ltd to come on board to lend her voice to the political injustice of that time and also to offer its contribution to the socio-economic and political rebirth of the Nigerian nation. The fact remains that the journey has been arduous, tasking, rugged and highly challenging as the labyrinth was intermittently strewn with bumps and rough surfaces.
“Despite all odds however, our resolve as a purpose inspired team to succeed and even excel was definite and resolute, hence our team was stubborn to quitting. As reflect on the heartfelt messages and kind wishes to Glamour at thirty, I am truly touched by the warmth and appreciations from friends, colleagues and well wishers. The past thirty years has been a journey of growth, learning and meaningful connections across the country.
“The theme of our 30th anniversary colloquium is “Journalism that works for the people”. This is a theme that captures the challenges and dynamics of today’s mass media space which is being arguably besieged by social media neophytes churning out fake, unverifiable and sensational blogs masquerading as news items. Leading the discussion is a Commonwealth professional fellow, communication expert and administrator.”
Chief Femi Bello eulogized the positive impacts Glamour Magazine has had in his life and appreciated everyone who contributed towards the establishment and sustenance of the magazine.
“If not for Glamour, what would have brought me in contact with any of the Nigerian Presidents, Governors, Emirs, Obas, Senators and a host of other shakers and movers of Nigeria. For this uncommon privilege, I will remain forever grateful to God.
“A tree, people say does not make a forest. At this juncture ladies and gentlemen, I want to publicly concede that this conquest is not mine alone as it equally belongs to my colleagues in Glamour Communications Ltd. The wider coverage, professional touch and style you find in Glamour Magazine are traceable to the efforts of Prof. Akin Alao, Mallam Musa Rimaye, Chief Roland Ogundipe and Chief Olukayode Akinnagbe. The records of these gentlemen in the academia are highly revered and this has greatly reflected in the quality and standard of Glamour Magazine. I thank you all.”
The Chairman of the occasion, who is also the Odofin of Ondo kingdom, High Chief Akin Olaniyan eulogized the numerous achievements of Glamour Magazine and it’s publisher over the years.
The Odofin of Ondo kingdom, High Chief Akin Olaniyan delivering his speech at the anniversary.
He said “I feel highly honoured and sincerely humbled to be called upon to be the Chairman of this epoch making occasion. It is an occasion to reflect on the humble beginning of an idea that has blossomed into a gigantic achievement, thirty years in the life of an Institution is generally a compilations of arduous tasks, fortitude and resilience. I thank God Almighty for the life of Chief Omunoton of Ondo Kingdom, Chief Femi Bello the proprietor and all supporters of Glamour Communications Limited on whose behalf we are all gathered here to celebrate and congratulate on this joyous occasion.”
He spoke extensively on the need for a kind of journalism that works for the people in Nigeria and called for improved transfer of information in the country to resolve problems and improve lives.
“I regard quality information as the secret of destiny transformation. Information that would transform the lives of our people and reinstate our mural values, self confidence and self esteem. Information which will continue to emphasize the height and importance of diligence, honesty and sincerity in all aspects of our communal life. What is destroying the fabric of our society today is selfishness and greed, This is the mother of corruption. Without doubt, the prevalence of ignorance in all areas of life of this generation is directly linked to the absence of potent transformation information.
“Media outfits are the torch beard of the community. They are to pry into all the nooks and crannies of ineptitude of those put in authority and to reveal and expose their unwholesome behaviors. We all see the danger, the betrayal of trust, we pay lip service, we do nothing, we acquiesced!
“The media is to inform, to arouse, and to reflect on the society’s misdemeanor and the danger and implication of our actions. The media is to indicate our crises and our choices, to mould, educate, give the give criticism where necessary. They are the magic wand which will change the mindset and perception of the people.
He called on everyone to play their roles effectively to eliminate our problems and move the country forward.
“We need to get involved in the formulation of our children school curriculum. It is at this tender stage that our children’s behavior can be improved. If the attitude and perception of this generation is not changed, we will not achieve any meaningful development. A total reorientation is the answer.
“It is one thing to be informed and aware of all the ills going on in our communities, it is another thing to remain totally unconcerned or adopt a totally docile attitude towards improvement. Yoruba people say “Owo ara eni la fi ntun pro Ara eni se. Everyone is the architect of his own fortune. We have remained too silent and docile for too long. A well planned action is now needed to surmount our problems.”
The Guest Speaker of the occasion, Mr. Tayo Obe talked about the decline of newspaper publication in Nigeria influenced by the social media and the refusal of many journalists to change with time and embrace the use of the Internet to tell stories that will help improve lives of the people.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Taiwo Obe delivering his lecture at the anniversary ceremony
“In the past, people queue to buy newspaper but that has changed. When was the last time any of us bought a newspaper? Even though there are still some people who do this, most of our people do not buy newspapers anymore because they have read the stories online.
“As of January 2023, there were 34.6 million users of social media in Nigeria and most of them get their news from the social media. That is where we are. What I usually ask Journalists is do we share information that we need? A lot of things that are shared appear to be fake or not what the people really need.
“The way we consume the media has changed because of the Internet. Once we buy data on our phones, we have access to everything. Today, we barely see people buy newspapers. Newspaper companies have reduced their production because while cost of production is increasing, people are not buying newspapers.
Obe also talked about the importance of rebuilding journalism in Nigeria to work for the people by focusing on providing information that they need rather than focusing on sensational stories which are very common in Nigeria today.
“Journalism is to provide people with information they need to make good decisions in their lives. That is the journalism that works for the people. We should be there for the people when they need information that will help them better decisions on daily basis. It should not be about sharing stories that are popular alone. Journalism should work for the people but many journalists are not doing that.”
He warned that the lack of access to information by people across the country is a negative development that is hurting a lot of people across the country and contributing to the current economic problems face by the country.
He urged journalists to rise up to the challenge by providing needed information to people across the country using both the traditional and social media platforms. He added that the world is changing and Nigerian Journalists should change with it. He encouraged Journalists to stop blaming the social media and advised them to embrace using social media platforms to tell their stories.
He concluded that when true Journalists spread their information through the social media, more people will have access to the kind of news they need to make better decisions and help eliminate falsehoods that are currently shared to people by people who lack the ethics of the profession.
The chairman of Glamour Communications, Prince Ade Ayoola praised the perseverance of Chief Femi Bello and Glamour Magazine for growing from strength to strength over the past three decades. He travelled down memory lane as he described how the journey of building what became Glamour Magazine began many years ago and how it has continued to get stronger through collective efforts of pillars providing it the needed support.
He pointed out that it is laudable that despite the various issues faced by newspaper companies across the country which is limiting their progress, Glamour Magazine has been able to weather that storm and build a brand which everyone inside the auditorium had gathered to celebrate it’s thirty years of existence.
Prince Ayoola appreciated everyone who has made positive contributions to the journey so far and expressed optimism for the future of Glamour Magazine and Glamour Communications.
The Colloquium was followed by the launching the anniversary edition of Glamour Magazine and the presentation of awards to prominent individuals who were honoured for their contributions to the growth and sustenance of Glamour Magazine over the past thirty years.
Awards were presented to prominent individuals like Chief Segun Adegoke, Chief Stephen Olawanle Akinrotoye, Dr. Mercy Fadoju, Engineer Chief Akinyinka Akinola and Chief Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adisa for their unwavering support.
Late Chief Omotayo Bello was also presented a posthumous award which was received by his son, Chief Femi Bello on behalf of the late icon and his entire family.
Dignitaries at the event include Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, High Chief Dr. Mrs. Victoria Modupe Oluwole, community stakeholders and gentlemen of the press.
