Dame Trustees

DAME AWARDS

Trustees

DAME BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mr. Lanre Idowu, FNGE, is CEO Diamond Publications Ltd. and editor-in-chief of Media Review since 1991. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Lagos, Akoka (1979) and a master’s degree in public communication from Fordham University, New York (1982). He has worked with such titles as the Daily Times as a staff writer (1982), The Guardian as a reporter and head of the investigative news team (1983), The Democrat as an assistant editor (1984-85}, and the USIS as a media consultant (1985-86).

He joined This week magazine in 1986 as an associate editor, rose to become its editor in 1987 and deputy editor-in-chief in 1989. He was CEO of Richard Munds Ltd. (1989-91) before joining Diamond Publications. He is quite active on the media education circuit as a participant and resource person. He is the Author of “Corruption in the Nigerian Media: The Brown Envelope Syndrome” (2022), “In the Service of BAOSA: A Journey in Stewardship” (2021), “Media on My Mind: Ethics, Governance and Other Matters” (2019), “Uneven Steps: The Story of the Nigerian Guild of Editors” (2019), “Songs of Childhood: Poems of Lanre Idowu” (2019); “The Popular is Seldom Correct: Selected Writings on Governance, Media and Democracy” (2009) and “Bridges of Memory: Poems of Lanre Idowu” (2009).

He is the editor of various books, which include, “Voices from Within: Essays in honour of Sam Amuka” (2015 & 2005); “The Editor and the State” (2013); “Watching the Watchdogs: Media Review at 20” (2011); “Nigerian Columnists and their Art” (2011); “Master of His Age: The Story of Anthony Enahoro” (2011); “Diamonds are Forever: The story of DAME at Ten” (2001). He also co-edited with Eniola Bello, “ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA: Redefining the reality, situating Entrepreneurship” (2020) and with Tunji Oseni, “Hosting 140th Anniversary of the Nigerian Press” (2000), Tosen Consult.

Idowu received the Distinguished Trainer’s Award in 2002 from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists for his Post-Conflict Media Reporting Training in Freetown. In 2003, he was honoured with the fellowship of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in December 2003 for his contributions to the craft of editing and Journalism development.

He was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalistic Excellence by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism on December 9, 2011, which cited “his deep professionalism, integrity, hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence”.

A founding judge in 2017 of the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA), he also served in 2018 & 2019. He currently serves as a commissioner of the Media Standards and Complaints Council of Nigeria.

See all books written by Lanre Idowu

Mr. Olu Ajomale, FCA, LDM, LDNI is a chartered accountant, and a Learning and Development Practitioner, NLP Master Practitioner, Certified Professional Trainer, Facilitator, and Coach. His career covered stints in Audit and Advisory Practice, Oil and Gas, Telecoms and Lotteries Management. He played critical roles in Audit and Investigation, Economic Planning, Procurement, Accounting, Treasury and Corporate Strategy.

He transitioned into the Learning and Development space, supporting organizational growth and guiding individuals to attain their professional and personal goals. Renowned for his exceptional training, facilitation, and coaching abilities, Olumide has consistently supported boards, senior leaders, and teams in enhancing their communication, critical thinking, and behavioral skills. His engagements have taken him to the USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, and Sierra Leone.

Olumide’s contributions to the field of professional development extend beyond his training and coaching expertise. He served as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD). Also, he held a position on the Council of Learning and Development Network International (LDNI), before assuming his current role as the President/Chairman of the Governing Council of Learning and Development Network International (LDNI).

He is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Ltd. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development, and a Learning and Development Master (LDM) of Learning and Development Network International (LDNI).

Malam Kabiru Yusuf, FNGE is a respected name in the media. A former University lecturer, he has been Editor of the Daily Triumph, Today, and Citizen Magazine. He has worked as a Correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political economy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and the University of Toronto, Canada. Kabiru previously held roles as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Media Trust newspapers before his current position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He also serves as president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Jimi Disu, is an experienced journalist, marketer, and broadcaster. A well-followed radio host, he has worked at leading Nigerian news titles such as the Daily Times, The Punch and Vanguard. He worked as a marketer with Nigerian Compass, before transitioning to Broadcasting, where he has been associated with radio stations like Lagos Talks and Nigeria Info, where he currently hosts the popular programmme, “The Daily Digest with Jimi Disu”. He is renowned for his expert analysis of current affairs. Educated at the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, he also worked at Lever Brothers before establishing Jimi Disu and Associates, a firm of reputation managers.

Dr. Hassan Adamu, CON, Wakilin Adamawa, has been involved with DAME since his tenure as president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. He subsequently served Nigeria as Ambassador to the United States and as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as Minister of the Environment. After completing studies in Transport Studies at the University of London in 1966, he worked as an administrator, businessman, and politician, holding roles in various sectors both within Nigeria and internationally.