The city of Abeokuta came alive on Sunday, April 18, 2021, as dignitaries, media practitioners, stakeholders, and well-wishers gathered at Commerce House, beside the Ogun State Government House, to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Tropic Reporters, one of Nigeria’s fast-rising online newspapers.
The event was not only to celebrate four years of consistent service in the media space but also to promote the value of community journalism in national development. It featured a thought-provoking lecture and the maiden edition of the Tropic Reporters Choice Awards, a platform designed to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
The anniversary lecture, themed “The Role of Community Journalism in Nation Building”, was delivered by Irebami Soyinka, a senior lecturer at MacPherson University along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Soyinka explained that journalism is most impactful when it prioritises community issues, giving the people a voice and ensuring inclusivity in national conversations.
He stressed that for media to earn and retain the trust of the people, practitioners must provide credible platforms where citizens can engage, dialogue, and exchange ideas. “When the media reflects the people’s realities and aspirations, it ceases to be distant. It becomes a tool for true development, fostering trust and accountability,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Founder and Publisher of Tropic Reporters, Adejola Adeyemi Crown, said the theme was carefully chosen because it reflects the paper’s mission and relevance to society. According to him, community journalism concentrates on the effect of news on local readers while ensuring that critical issues affecting grassroots communities are not ignored.
He expressed appreciation to the sponsors and partners who supported the anniversary programme and acknowledged the growth Tropic Reporters had experienced since inception. “Ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt about it that you will agree with me that today’s event is unique, because it is the maiden edition of Tropic Reporters Choice Award in the series organized to commemorate our 4th anniversary,” he stated.
The event also featured the presentation of the Tropic Reporters Choice Awards, which recognised outstanding personalities who have distinguished themselves in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. The awards segment added glamour to the celebration, as recipients were honoured for their positive impact on society.
The occasion attracted a number of high-profile guests, including media managers, journalists, public servants, and community leaders who commended Tropic Reporters for four years of dedication to authentic, reliable, and dynamic news delivery. Many speakers described the platform as a shining example of how online journalism can shape communities and strengthen democracy.
Entertainment at the event came in the form of music and comedy, which created a lively atmosphere and underscored the celebratory mood. Guests also used the opportunity to network, share experiences, and discuss the future of media in a digital age.
With the successful hosting of its 4th anniversary, Tropic Reporters reaffirmed its place as a credible voice in Nigeria’s media landscape, with its founder pledging to sustain the vision of grassroots reporting, while continually innovating to meet the challenges of a changing media environment.
