…Commends Nestlé, Dufil, NBL, NBC, Guinness for support
By Providence Ayanfeoluwa & Efe Onojae
LAGOS — IT was an atmosphere of excitement as families, friends, relatives and professional colleagues of staff members of Vanguard Media Limited came together to celebrate the annual Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Vanguard Chapel Family Fun Fair.
The event, which was the second edition, attracted participants from far and wide, with many defying the scorching sun to celebrate with the Vanguard family.
Children, in particular, could not hide their joy as they enjoyed various recreational facilities, delighted to see their parents relaxing, dancing and making merry away from the usual work routine.
Speaking during the fair, the Editor of Vanguard Media Limited and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, expressed happiness over the sustainability of the initiative.
Mr Anaba encouraged other media organisations to create opportunities for staff to unwind and relieve stress, noting that journalism is a demanding profession.
Anaba stressed the need for media organisations to deliberately intertwine family life with the workplace, describing it as a catalyst for stronger staff bonding, enhanced productivity and improved wellbeing.
He said: “We intend to connect the home and the office through this. Most times, children only see their parents early in the morning or at weekends.”
Describing the fair as a growing tradition, the NGE President reaffirmed Vanguard’s commitment to sustaining the programme, adding that the organisation remains uniquely positioned to champion family-friendly initiatives within the media industry.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the NUJ, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, represented by his Vice Chairman, Mr Philip Nwosu, said: “It is important for family members to come to where you work and see what you do. Vanguard has come a long way. I remember as a child, I used to run after vendors to buy Vanguard newspaper,” he said.
In her remarks, the General Manager of Vanguard Newspapers, Mrs Omasan Dudu, appreciated employees and their families for their continued dedication and support throughout the company’s challenging journey.
“The spouses of our hardworking employees play a crucial role in creating an environment where their loved ones can thrive. Your presence here today is a reminder of the importance of family and the strength that comes from working together,” she said.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Chairperson of the Vanguard Chapel of NUJ, Mr. Chioma Obinna, described journalism as a demanding profession requiring long hours and significant personal sacrifices, placing pressure not only on practitioners but also on their families.
She appreciated the support of staff and management, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Festus Ahon, as well as sponsors and partners such as Dufil, Nestlé Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Nigerian Bottling Company and Guinness Plc for their generous contributions towards making the event colourful and memorable.
Obinna said: “I am pleased to say that this year’s edition recorded tremendous improvement. Last year, we recorded about 150 participants, including adults and children. This impressive turnout reflects how meaningful this gathering has become within the Vanguard community.”
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