A former Managing Editor of Daily Times newspaper and publisher of Nationwide Reports, Bonaventure Melah, has thanked the management of Folio Communications Limited, owners of Daily Times of Nigeria and Folio Africa, for considering him worthy to serve as member of the organizing Board of the Times Heroes Awards designed to celebrate Daily Times centenary milestone.

Melah however clarified that he is not a member of Nigerian Guild of Editors and has not served as the body’s president..

According to a story published in the Vanguard on Tuesday, Bolaji Okusaga, Chief Executive Officer of Precise Platform, one of Africa’s leading strategic communications and PR company was appointed as chairman with Ms Stella Din- Jacob as vice chairman while Bonaventure Melah is to serve as Executive Secretary.

Reacting to the development, Melah said he was proud to associate himself with milestones recorded by Folio Communications and Folio Africa, since the company took over the ownership of Daily Times of Nigeria and commended Mr. Fidelis Anosike for ensuring that the light continued to shine, despite the several challenges over the years .

He said with the calibre of professionals appointed as part of the Board for the awards, Times Heroes Awards is poised to become the flagship platform for recognition of excellence and service to the nation and to humanity.

According to the publication, the Daily Times Centenary Awards forms a major pillar of the newspaper’s 100-year anniversary celebrations and will recognise exceptional achievements across Business and Entrepreneurship, Governance, Community Development, Social Impact, and Media. The initiative is intended to celebrate excellence, honour nation-builders and spotlight individuals and institutions contributing to Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.

“To ensure the highest standards of credibility, transparency and independence, Daily Times has appointed a distinguished three-member Governing Board comprising respected leaders from the media, communications and public affairs sectors.

Speaking on the announcement, Fidelis Anosike, Chairman, Folio Media Group, the owners of Daily Times Nigeria, said the constitution of the Governing Board underlines its commitment to ensuring that the Centenary Awards reflects the values of integrity, excellence and national significance that have defined the newspaper throughout its history.

“The Daily Times Centenary Awards is not merely a celebration of our past; it is an opportunity to honour the individuals, institutions and organisations whose vision, leadership and contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s future. The calibre of individuals serving on the Governing Board reflects our determination to deliver a credible, transparent and nationally respected awards process,” Anosike said.

The Governing Board will provide strategic oversight for the awards programme, guide the nomination and selection process, ensure adherence to established governance principles and uphold the integrity of the awards throughout its implementation.

Established in 1926, Daily Times remains one of Nigeria’s most historic media institutions, having chronicled key moments in the nation’s political, economic and social evolution. As it marks 100 years of service, the newspaper is leveraging its centenary celebrations to promote national reflection, celebrate excellence and inspire a new generation of Nigerians committed to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The Daily Times Centenary Awards ceremony will form part of a series of commemorative activities planned to mark the newspaper’s historic milestone and reinforce its enduring legacy as a platform for national development and progress.