By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria, (APPMEN), has celebrated fathers in the media industry as part of Father’s Day 2026, describing them as a “special breed of heroes” who balance professional duty with parental responsibility.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Chief Precious Enebuse, APPMEN said it sees the “double sacrifice” of members who run radio stations before sunrise, print newspapers late at night, manage TV stations through power cuts, or operate digital platforms while funding their children’s education.
The association noted that media fathers serve two roles at once: “fathers at home and fathers of truth in the public space.” According to APPMEN, they balance deadlines with school fees, breaking news with bedtime stories, and editorial responsibility with parental duty.
APPMEN acknowledged the demanding nature of the media business, but said its members continue to show up, invest, mentor young journalists, and build institutions that inform democracy even when operating conditions are tough. The association called that commitment “fatherhood in action.”
The statement honoured specific examples: the father who pays staff salaries before his own, the “mother-father” running a community radio in her husband’s absence, and the grandfather whose newspaper still speaks for his town today. “Your work informs Nigeria. Your fatherhood builds Nigeria,” APPMEN said.
APPMEN prayed for strength, health, and prosperity for all fathers and father-figures in the association, wishing that their media houses flourish and their children honour their legacy. The group concluded: “Happy Father’s Day to all APPMEN fathers and fathers in the media industry across Nigeria. We celebrate you today and always.”
