Pantami Hails ABU Scholar, Spokespersons Awards Jury Member on Media Trust Role
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and renowned cybersecurity scholar, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has congratulated Dr. Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, an academic at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a member of the jury for the National Spokespersons Awards, on his appointment by Media Trust Group.
Pantami who os the gubernatorial candidate of PDP in Gombe State described the appointment as well deserved, noting that Dr. Lawanti’s elevation reflects years of dedication to teaching, journalism, research, media practice and public service.
Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust, Trust TV, Trust Radio and other platforms, also appointed Dr. Shuaibu Mohammed and Malam Adamu Lawal Toro to key editorial positions.
In a congratulatory message, Pantami commended the organisation for selecting accomplished media professionals with strong academic and practical backgrounds, saying the appointments demonstrate the company’s commitment to responsible journalism.
Quoting veteran American journalist Walter Cronkite, Pantami said: “In journalism, there has always been a tension between getting it first, and getting it right.” He added that with the appointments, Media Trust had chosen professionals committed to achieving both.
Reflecting on Dr. Lawanti’s career, Pantami said the ABU lecturer had distinguished himself as a media scholar, researcher and communication expert whose experience bridges the gap between journalism theory and newsroom practice.
He also acknowledged Lawanti’s independent-mindedness, recalling that the scholar had, at different times, offered constructive criticism of him despite their close relationship.
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“Dr. Lawanti has built a strong career as a lecturer, media scholar, researcher and communication expert. He is one of those rare people who can explain media theory on Monday and live it under newsroom deadlines on Tuesday,” Pantami said.
The former minister expressed pride that another indigene of Gombe State had attained a leadership position in one of Nigeria’s foremost media organisations, describing Lawanti as a worthy ambassador of the state.
Pantami equally congratulated Dr. Shuaibu Mohammed and Malam Adamu Lawal Toro, both from neighbouring Bauchi State, where he studied and served as an academic for nearly two decades.
He noted that their appointments further underscore the depth of journalistic talent emerging from Northern Nigeria.
According to him, Media Trust’s decision to appoint seasoned scholars and practitioners signals its determination to strengthen editorial leadership and uphold professional standards in Nigerian journalism.
“This appointment speaks to Media Trust’s continued commitment to credibility, depth and homegrown expertise. By bringing in seasoned scholars and practitioners like Dr. Lawanti, Dr. Mohammed and Malam Toro, Media Trust is investing in editorial leadership that understands both the weight of the pen and the pulse of the people,” he said.
Pantami prayed for the success of the three appointees, expressing hope that their tenure would further strengthen the reputation of Media Trust Group as a leading media institution.
Dr. Lawanti is a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has served as a member of the jury for the National Spokespersons Awards, where he has contributed to promoting excellence and professionalism in strategic communication and public relations in Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
