Realnews celebrates its sixth anniversary on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Below is what Nigerians and readers think of the online publication which thrives on business and economy, oil and gas, politics, environment, women and children. Excerpts:

Ibn Chambas, special representative of the United Nations Secretary General, United Nations Office for West Africa and Sahel, UNOWAS – Realnews is a site that I visit daily and it keeps me abreast not only of developments in Nigeria, but general African and global situation. It also comes in very timel. I must also tell you that occasionally I’m also a contributor because of the contact I have with Realnews, particularly Maureen.

When I see something breaking that I think that probably she has not seen I have on occasions forwarded it to her. And as a professional, she is open to suggestions and ideas. All of you from the founder, my sister Maureen to you, the very hard working team, I commend you and I urge you all to keep up the good work and congratulate you for a job well done.

Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi, director, Africa and West Asia Regional Programme and Liaison Office to the African Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – I think in terms of online presence and impact over the last two three years that I have come to know of the magazine, I have come to respect it as source of speedy and reliable information particularly around developments in Nigeria. For somebody who lives outside the country, who is enough in need to start a day and getting a sense on the state of the motherland, Realnews is my platform of choice. I also respect Realnews because it is an online platform that is not limited to only Nigeria. I also get a wide reach of stories from other African countries. I feel very happy to be associated to the magazine.

Tola Adeniyi, columnist and former managing director, Daily Times of Nigeria – I commend Maureen for her consistency and passion for this profession. And the fact that she is always very resilient and tenacious, Realnews has been a huge success when you look at the calibre of people she brought to this place. It shows the kind of respect people have for her and the integrity of the magazine and the esteem of your magazine is reflected in what you see today. And people coming from all over the world to attend the lecture. Also the arrangement for today is also perfect because everything went on well and it also shows in the managerial ability of the management of the organisation.

Ikechukwu Obiaya, lecturer, Pan-Atlantic University, PAU, Lagos – Realnews is doing a very important thing particularly like this annual event, which I know cost a lot of efforts. I don’t think you are gaining anything financially from it but it’s your contribution to the society. I think it is very important to have a forum where discussions such as this can take place to discuss key aspects of our country. It is actually a thing I think it is fantastic.

Soji Akinrinade, former editor-in-chief, Newswatch Communications Limited and executive director, MayFive, Lagos Nigeria – In online journalism, I considerRealnews the cream of the top; the peak of the bunch. When Maureen started, people thought it was going to be one of those things online journalists do. But she went into investigative journalism and got it right.

Yakubu Mohammed, former deputy chief executive officer, Newswatch Communications Limited and executive director, MayFive– Realnews means pride to me. It’s like asking a father, what does your child mean to you? It means our relationship with Maureen was not a waste. She worked with us as the general editor in Newswatch. What it means is that whatever she may have learnt from us has helped her to establish and run a credible platform like Realnews. I’m proud of Realnews.

Dan Agbese, former editor in Chief, Newswatch Communications Limited and executive director, MayFive – Realnews means pride to me. Maureen worked with us in Newswatch as general editor and she is a very diligent lady. I’m proud to see that she established Realnews and it is doing very well.

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – Maureen is a sister that I have followed right from the days of Newswatch. She has maintained the consistency and discipline expected of a journalist. So, I’m not surprised at what Realnews has become today.

Casmir Igbokwe, former Sunday editor, Punch Newspaper – I am inspired by what has happened here today. It gives hope to those of us in online publishing that a lot can be achieved with hard work and better ways of doing things. Maureen has always done well; she has done it again today and the INEC chairman has given a good account of himself. There is no doubt that this will further boost the credibility of Realnews.

Prof Charles Okeke, Dean, School of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences and professor of Economics, The College of Southern Nevada, Nevada System of Higher Education Charleston Campus, Las Vegas, USA – I love the magazine. With time I will love to be making my contribution to the publication. We are in a digital age and you guys are doing a great job. The work you’re doing at Realnews is not easy, but try and maintain the tempo. Keep up your investigations and fact checking to avoid fake news which does no medium or society any good.

– Nov. 16, 2018 @ 24:55 GMT |