Port Harcourt Spectator Newspaper, one of the oldest tabloids in Rivers State on August 18, 2020 clocked 20 years on the newspaper stand.
In a statement to mark its 20th Anniversary, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the newspaper, Parry Saroh Benson said “today marks 20 years of truthful, balanced reporting and effective practice of development Journalism at the Port Harcourt Spectator Newspaper.
“August 18, 2000 will forever remain very remarkable in the annals of history as the day the first copy of Port Harcourt Spectator Newspaper was officially presented to the public at the former Integrated Cultural Center, along Abonnema Wharf road, Port Harcourt”.
“All through the years, we have survived diverse onslaught of economic turbulence to remain on the newsstand in the publication of unbiased reportage and presentation of news in politics, education, sports, health, religion, human rights abuses, crime, fashion and entertainments, with rich and robust editorial contents”.
“No doubt, we have kept our vision of becoming one of the most widely-read local newspapers amongst our equals in the South-South, Nigeria”.
In our mission statement twenty years ago, we said that, “Participation in any genuine course is born out of determination and our determination shall be firmness in the prevalence of truth” We have kept our faith therein”.
“As we celebrate therefore, our sincere appreciation goes to our students, interns, management, staff, past and present, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, guest columnists, contributors, readers, friends and sponsors: We say “Thank You”.
“Progressing into the future, our prayer is that the Almighty God that has brought us thus far, will be able to keep and to protect this course to the end”.
“Once again, we say “Imiete!, Ooyaa!, Mmama!, Imelem o!, Cheka o!, Imela!, Sosong o!, Mbana!.”
Also, the newspaper gave out awards to some deserving Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours and one them was, Dr. Peter Medee, Honourable Commissioner, Rivers State of Energy and Natural Resources, who was honoured with the Exemplary Leadership Award.
