By Julius Peter,Akwanga
The Spotlight Magazine, a new media outfit established to spotlight the activities, achievements and contributions of leaders in Nasarawa State and beyond, has been officially launched at a ceremony held at Gaji Luxury Hotel, Agwanga area of Nasarawa State.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including journalists, politicians, traditional rulers, stakeholders, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Correspondents’ Chapel, media practitioners from different organisations and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the initiative and identify with the vision of the magazine.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the occasion, veteran journalist, Hon. Muktar Wekeel, commended the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, Mr. Moses Yusuf, for his initiative, describing the establishment of the publication as a welcome development in the media industry.
Wekeel, who disclosed that Yusuf was one of his former students, expressed pride in his decision to venture into publishing, saying he was happy to see his former student making meaningful contributions to journalism and society.
He called on political leaders, public office holders, politicians and other stakeholders in Nasarawa State to support indigenous media organisations by patronising their services and appreciating the important role they play in informing the public and promoting accountability.
According to him, politicians who desire to build lasting political relevance and maintain effective communication with the people must recognise journalists as important partners in society.
“If you are a politician and you want to go far, you must bring journalists close and make them your friends. You must also be generous to them,” he said.
The veteran journalist stressed that quality publicity and professional media services require adequate investment, noting that politicians and other individuals seeking effective media coverage must be prepared to support the industry financially.
He likened the situation to the popular saying that good soup requires money, emphasising that quality journalism and publicity cannot be sustained without the necessary resources.
Wekeel, however, cautioned journalists against laziness and unprofessional conduct, urging them to embrace investigative journalism, conduct proper research and verify information before publishing reports.
He observed that the proliferation of social media platforms has created an environment where almost everybody claims to be a journalist, making it necessary for trained and professional media practitioners to distinguish themselves through accuracy, credibility and adherence to ethical standards.
He urged journalists to remain committed to the principles of responsible journalism, particularly fact-checking, balance and verification, warning that the rush to publish unverified information could undermine public confidence in the profession.
Addressing politicians preparing to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections, Wekeel advised them to maintain strong relationships with their communities, particularly their neighbours and people within their immediate environment.
He said political leaders and aspirants should always carry their people along and ensure that those closest to them are not neglected when opportunities and benefits are being shared.
According to him, people within a politician’s immediate community are often the first to stand by and protect such an individual when challenges arise.
He also offered prayers for all politicians aspiring to occupy elective positions in 2027, wishing them success and the fulfilment of their aspirations.
However, he reminded them that political power ultimately comes from God, who gives leadership positions according to His will.
Earlier in his remarks, the Editor-in-Chief of The Spotlight Magazine, Mr. Moses Yusuf, said the publication was established with a clear mission to inform, inspire and promote principled leadership through credible journalism.
Yusuf explained that the magazine would focus on delivering independent analysis of politics, public policy and culture, with the objective of helping readers understand the ideas, personalities and developments shaping society.
He noted that The Spotlight Magazine would provide a platform for highlighting leadership activities, public policies, governance issues and other developments capable of contributing to the growth and development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
He further assured readers and stakeholders that the publication would remain committed to the laws, ethics and professional standards of journalism in the discharge of its responsibilities.
The Editor-in-Chief expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the launch, describing their presence and support as a demonstration of confidence in the vision and future of the magazine.
The launch also featured an award presentation to selected individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of endeavour.
The awards, according to the organisers, were designed to recognise, appreciate and encourage the recipients to sustain their contributions and continue making positive impacts in their various areas of responsibility.
Some participants at the event described the establishment of The Spotlight Magazine as a welcome development, expressing optimism that the publication would contribute meaningfully to the media landscape in Nasarawa State.
They also congratulated Moses Yusuf on the initiative and wished him and his team success in their efforts to promote responsible journalism and showcase leadership activities.
The event was attended by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa State Council; members of the Nasarawa State Correspondents’ Chapel; politicians, traditional rulers, community leaders, media professionals, stakeholders and other well-wishers.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks delivered by the Editor of the magazine, Roseline Okafor, who appreciated the guests for honouring the invitation and identifying with the vision of the publication.
She also wished all attendees safe journeys back to their respective destinations.
With its official launch, The Spotlight Magazine is expected to provide another platform for public information, leadership engagement and the promotion of issues shaping Nasarawa State and beyond.
