By: Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri.
Today, at the NUJ secretariat along Offa Road, Ilorin, Kwara Express, a new media outlet, was launched. The brainchild of Basheer Luqman Olarewaju, Kwara Express promises to be a significant player in the online space. Basheer, a well-known author, orator, and contributor to issues affecting Kwara State and beyond, is also the media assistant to Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya, House of Reps member representing Asa/Ilorin West federal constituency.
The official launch featured a keynote address by Ibrahim Sheriff, a lecturer at Kwara State University and experienced journalist, who delivered an insightful speech that defined journalism and the characteristics of a good journalist. He emphasized the importance of fairness, justice, and quality in online journalism.
Goodwill messages and discussions followed, with Comrade Abdullateef Ishowo congratulating Basheer on the initiative and highlighting the importance of satisfying one’s conscience and prioritizing the people. I also contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the distinction between invasion and investigation in journalism.
The event was attended by a purpose-driven group of individuals, including the Chairman and Secretary of Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) Salihu Shola Taofeek and Oyewale Oyelola as well as the Kwara NUJ Chairman, Ahmed Lanre.
I am confident that Kwara Express will become a household name in the online space, and I am proud to have been present when it was launched.
Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri is a lecturer and the Managing Editor of InsiderNg.