On Monday, 26 May 2025, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with its development arm, PUNCH Media Foundation, held an orientation programme for new employees at the company’s head office in Magboro, Ogun State. This event also marked the commencement of the two-week PUNCH Immersion Training Programme for editorial staff who recently joined the organisation.
While welcoming the participants, the Manager of Corporate Services, Mrs. Temitope Olusesan-Biala, noted that the event was strategic as it is foundational to their future in the organisation. Following her remarks, the Head of the Training Directorate at PMF, Mr. Dele Aina, allowed participants to introduce themselves, sharing what they expected to get from the orientation.
The Executive Director of Business Development and Innovation at PUNCH, Mrs. Omowunmi Tunde-Obe, delivered the goodwill message. She pointed out to the cohort that PUNCH stands on timeless values: Truth, Reliability, Independence, Balance, and Excellence (T.R.I.B.E.). These she described as the organisation’s currency, stressing that anyone who treats them lightly risks losing the trust that defines the PUNCH brand. Corroborating this submission, the Chairman of the Editorial Board of PUNCH Newspapers, Mr. Obafemi Obadare, stated that PUNCH has an institutional culture around discipline, reward, and impact. He touched on this while facilitating the first session titled PUNCH History & Culture. Citing real stories, Obadare established the company’s culture of rewarding excellence.
However, he cautioned that the same PUNCH that rewards high performance also upholds strict discipline. Moreover, Obadare reflected on PUNCH’s over 50-year history, beginning with its first publication, Sunday PUNCH, in 1973 to date. He affirmed that the organisation’s reputation thrives in its unwavering integrity, commitment to social justice through responsible journalism, and extraordinary leadership.
Further insights into the organisation’s structure were shared by the General Manager, Legal & Subsidiaries, Mrs. Omolara Ogunleye, who introduced the board and management team of PUNCH Nigeria Limited. She revealed that the company’s board is not only policy-focused and highly engaged but also remarkably diverse and inclusive, with more women, including the first female Board Chair, steering the company’s vision and operations. Also, Ogunleye introduced the management staff of PUNCH led by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Adeyeye Joseph.
Again, Olusesan-Biala led participants on an insightful walk through the PUNCH Handbook, where she unpacked the company’s corporate strategy, vision, and mission, deeply embedded TRIBE values of truth, reliability, independence, balance, and excellence. She also addressed policies around staff conduct, health, leave, and ethical standards, all tailored to ensure every employee thrives.
As the majority of the participants at the event were newsmen, a good time was dedicated to addressing the rules that guide the PUNCH newsroom. This session was co-facilitated by the Editor of The PUNCH, Mr. Tunji Abioye, and the Editor of PUNCH Weekend Titles, Mr. Samson Folarin. While Abioye spoke to the company’s editorial philosophy, which includes accuracy, objectivity, fairness, balance, and public interest, Folarin offered a sobering reminder that a reporter is only as good as his last story.
The day concluded with presentations from the Heads of Departments, who introduced the various units that keep PUNCH running, including Production, Corporate Services, Business & Finance, Legal, Audit, I.T., and others. The session reinforced that great journalism does not exist in isolation but thrives in collaboration. Participants also had the opportunity to seek clarity on workflows, dependencies, and the structure that enables PUNCH to deliver excellence consistently.
