From Newsroom Veteran to Media Reformer: Otunba Mike Aladenika Marks 60th Birthday with Launch of Landmark Media Support Initiative (NMSI)



-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

In a move that blends celebration with a deep sense of professional duty, Otunba Mike Aladenika, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has officially unveiled the Nigerian Media Support Initiative (NMSI). The announcement came during a vibrant reception held in Benin City to commemorate his 60th birthday, marking a significant milestone in a career that has spanned over 25 years. Currently serving as the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol, and Public Relations at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Aladenika is leveraging his extensive experience to address the systemic vulnerabilities that have long hindered the Nigerian press.

​The Nigerian Media Support Initiative (NMSI) is established as a non-governmental organization dedicated to the dual goals of professional empowerment and legal protection. Aladenika described the initiative as a proactive response to the "precarious" conditions many journalists face today. Having climbed the ranks from a newsroom rookie to a seasoned corporate spokesperson, he recounted a journey marked by the constant shadow of harassment, defamation suits, and inadequate legal safeguards. By providing a structured platform for training, advocacy, and networking, the NMSI aims to foster a sustainable and ethical media ecosystem that can withstand political and economic pressures while upholding the tenets of democratic governance.

​Beyond professional training, the NMSI is set to tackle the core issues of practitioner welfare, including low remuneration and the lack of access to modern digital tools. Aladenika emphasized that these challenges do not just affect individual journalists; they undermine the very quality of public discourse and national trust. He asserted that the birth of this initiative would empower practitioners to deliver more inclusive and impactful journalism, ultimately serving as a watchdog for social development. In a passionate call to action, the veteran journalist urged government agencies, private stakeholders, and the media community at large to rally behind the NMSI, ensuring it becomes a pillar for national growth and a shield for those who speak truth to power.

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