Mr Femi Okutubo, a Nigerian UK-based Media practitioner has expressed concern over the frequent negative portrayal of Nigerians in the British media.
Okutubo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Trumpet Media Group expressed the concern at the presentation of the 2011 Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Award to some outstanding Nigerians on Saturday in London.
He said in spite of the positive contributions Nigerians were making towards the development of the British economy, such positive contributions were down played and not being highlighted.
Okutubo explained that there was the need for such Nigerians to be celebrated and accorded recognition within as a source of encouragement and support for impacting positively.
He highlighted various fields of contributions to include Finance, Business, Media, Entertainment, Health, Charity, Youth Empowerment, Community and Engagement.
Also, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, said in order to break the jinx, the UK-based Nigerian papers “must develop strategic partnership with the UK mainstream media’’ so that Nigerian stories could be more accurately reported.
Tafida who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Sola Enikanolaiye, noted that such partnership would further educate the mainstream media on the culture and people of Nigeria.
He commended the organisers for recognising hard work and assured that the mission would continue to render selfless service to the community.
One of the recipients, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, one-time Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria said the country was blessed with resourceful and talented individuals and they should be encouraged.
Omotosho who was recognised for her contributions to the development of tourism in Nigeria said: “When this group of people all come together with their positive vibes, I believe our nation will become greater.’’
Other awardees, included Mr Richard Taylor of the Damilola Taylor Trust, Princess Deun Adedoyin-Solarin and Mr Dayo Olomu.
GAB awards was founded in 1999 by the Trumpet media to celebrate blacks against the backdrop of negative publicity of the ethnic minority in the mainstream UK media.