The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for more in-depth, analytical and investigative journalism to support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, as it celebrated a decade of strategic partnership with the media at the 2026 MAN Media Personality of the Year Award and Presidential Media Luncheon.
The event, held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Adeola Odutola Hall, MAN House, marked the 10th anniversary of what MAN described as a purposeful collaboration between the manufacturing sector and business journalists across the country.
Speaking at the occasion, Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, said the past ten years had represented “an unprecedented journey of partnership and patriotism” aimed at advancing a more competitive and productive manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
According to him, the sustained engagement between MAN and the media has played a critical role in amplifying advocacy for a more conducive operating environment, policy stability, and improved industrial competitiveness.
“This 10th edition provides an opportunity to appropriately reposition this annual engagement as the MAN Media Conference and Award for Excellence in Journalism,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “Over the years, this platform has grown into a vital bridge between the manufacturing sector and the media, fostering dialogue, strengthening advocacy and celebrating professionalism in journalism.”
He commended members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria and other business reporters for standing with manufacturers amid persistent economic pressures, regulatory bottlenecks and policy uncertainties. He described the media as a dependable ally in the pursuit of national development and economic resilience.
Ajayi-Kadir noted that global and domestic economic realities are increasingly pushing nations to look inward, redefining sovereignty and placing renewed emphasis on self-sufficiency. Within this context, he stressed that industrialisation remains Nigeria’s most viable pathway to sustainable growth, job creation and long-term economic stability.
He further emphasised the responsibility of the media in shaping national discourse, urging journalists to prioritise depth, accuracy and professional rigour in reporting economic and industrial issues.
“While the angle of a story is important, depth is critical,” he said. “We encourage our partners in the media to go beyond adapted reports and easy narratives. Rigorous analysis and investigative journalism are essential if we are to achieve outcomes that truly serve the economy and the livelihood of our people.”
The MAN Director General also called for greater attention to detail in reportage, including the accurate use of MAN’s current corporate identity, noting that the Association’s logo was updated after its 50th anniversary in 2021. He reaffirmed MAN’s readiness to provide clarification and input on manufacturing-related issues to support factual and balanced reporting.
Using a metaphor to underscore the importance of effective communication, Ajayi-Kadir said, “If you wink in the dark at someone, you have a message, but it is not delivered. We are grateful that the media ensures our messages are clearly communicated and not left unreported.”
Looking ahead, he disclosed that MAN would intensify its policy engagement strategy by not only responding promptly to government decisions but also proactively anticipating and shaping policies that affect the manufacturing sector and the wider economy.
He congratulated the award recipients in advance and encouraged journalists who are yet to participate to do so in future editions, urging them to aspire to excellence and plan to win.
Ajayi-Kadir thanked participants for honouring MAN’s invitation and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between the media and the manufacturing sector would significantly accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) marks 10 years of partnership with the media at the 2025 MAN Media Personality of the Year Award, urging deeper, investigative journalism to support industrialisation and economic growth in Nigeria.
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