The chairman of the Photojournalists Association of Association (PJAN), Princess Alaba Igbaroola led members of the 2025 End of Year Symposium Committee on a courtesy visit to the veteran journalist and former Tell magazine director, Mr Dare Babarinsa at his Lagos residence.
The delegation formally informed Mr Dare Babarinsa of their decision to invite him as guest speaker for the upcoming End of Year Symposium in this December.
Veteran photojournalist, Mr Sunday Adedeji, who previously worked as senior photo editor under Mr Babainsa at Tell magazine, welcomed the delegation and introduced its members.
According to Mr Adedeji, the committee selected Mr Babarinsa as guest speaker due to his impressive journalism credentials and enthusiasm for photojournalism and photography.
Speaking further, Mr Adedeji stated that the moment he mentioned Dare Babarinsa’s name, every committee member gave their consent.
The former senior photo editor of the Tell magazine emphasized that his former editor’s affinity for the pictures was also showcased in some of his books and publications, which is why the association have come down to formally inform him.
In her remarks, Princess Alaba Igbaroola, chairman of the association, expressed appreciation to Babarinsa for the opportunity he provided for the visit.
The PJAN chairman equally stated, Mr Babarinsa’s love for Photojournalists is unparalleled, noting that she respects him for the love he consistently shows her members who are photographers.
His appreciation for such, she described as similar to that of former Ogun Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
Princess Igbaroola also hinted at decorating the celebrated editor, who is currently the CEO of Gaskiya Media Ltd as PJAN patron in December.
In his response to the formal invitation, Mr Babarinsa welcomed PJAN chairman and her delegation, praising the team ‘s unity and expressing his eagerness to honour the invitation.
The author of the recently launched ‘Eat Now and Pay Later’ highlighted the significance of photojournalists in Nigeria’s history, stating that their contribution cannot be overlooked.
“Fortunately, your event is coming up early in December’, which is ideal before the Christmas rush begins.”
He tasked the members with a significant assignment, which he expected the members of the association to undertake for the country.
Mr Babarinsa is the author of several best selling and significant books, including Eat Now and Pay Later, and One Day and A Story; as well as numerous published biographical titles on prominent Nigerians.
In recognition of his sterling contributions to the growth of journalism in Nigeria, Babarinsa was recently conferred with the revered national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to the president, Babarinsa was awarded for his “immense contributions to the development of the nation and humanity.”
Babarinsa is a veteran journalist, who served as former Executive Director of TELL magazine, Editor-in-Chief of The Westerner, and is now Chairman/Managing Director of Gaskiya Media Limited.
The delegation also comprised Olabode Agbede, the chairman of the 2025 End of Year Symposium Committee, and Kazeem Bakenne, the association’s secretary and committee secretary.