NPAN, at AGM, elects Yusuf, Ibru, Idris, Edun, Iwuanyanwu, Anosike as executives

Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, on Tuesday, emerged the new president of the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

He takes over from Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Thisday newspaper.

The election which took place at the new secretariat of the organisation in Ikeja Lagos during its 2020 Annual General Meeting, also saw Mrs. Maiden Alex-Ibru of The Guardian newspaper emerge deputy president.

Yusuf, who was elected unopposed by affirmation and was deputy president during the tenure of Obaigbena, is the chairman and founder of the Media Trust, publisher of Daily Trust newspaper.

Other members who were elected officers of the organisation are Mohammed Idris (General Secretary); Mr. Wale Edun ( Treasurer); Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa (Publicity Secretary); and Mr. Fidelis Anosike (Assistant Secretary- General).

The publisher of Leadership newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah, publisher of Nigerian Pilot and Mr. Ray Ekpu were elected as ExOfficio members.

Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, the immediate past president of the association, was at the event named a Life Patron of the association.

In his acceptance speech, the new NPAN president called for the cooperation of members as the association confronts the challenges facing the Media industry in the country.

“Unless we pull together, it would be difficult to move the Media industry in this country forward,” he stated.

Yusuf assured that the new executive of the association will build on the successes of the immediate executive as well as carry members along in matters affecting them.

Speaking before the election, the outgoing president, Mr. Obaigbena urged members to rethink their business models in order to survive.

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While noting the challenges facing the newspaper business in the country and globally as a result of digitalization and Coronavirus pandemic, the Thisday publisher challenged members to ensure that they explore other streams of business to remain afloat.

He urged the association to look into the problems affecting Journalism education in the country, particularly the restructuring and upgrading of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Lagos, owned by the body.