CJID launches Living Archives Initiative Oct 22 in Lagos to preserve Africa's media history
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) launches its Living Archives Initiative on October 22 in Lagos, alongside the unveiling of "Ladbone: A Life in Print" anthology honoring veteran journalist Lade Bonuola. The initiative aims to preserve Africa's journalistic memory by documenting newspaper records, personal papers, photographs, broadcast recordings and first-hand accounts that are often scattered, deteriorating or inaccessible.
CJID says the Living Archives Initiative will help gain context on how earlier generations confronted power, defended standards and made difficult editorial choices - essential for thinking clearly about journalism's public purpose and future. The first edition focuses on Lade Bonuola, whose 50+ year career spanned military rule, democratic transitions and newsroom culture changes, offering perspective on editorial independence, ethics and professional standards in Nigerian journalism.
The book draws on contributions from over 80 editors, media managers, academics, political figures and industry experts. CJID's digital archival platform, launching alongside the initiative, will serve journalists, newsrooms, fact-checkers, researchers, academics, students, policymakers, media institutions and the general public, providing historical evidence for policy discussions on press freedom, governance and democratic resilience.
The Lagos launch features a panel discussion, formal book review, anthology unveiling and reception marking Bonuola's 80th birthday. Members of the public, journalists and colleagues can attend the virtual broadcast by registering at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XpWbhOGSQwicm_VPfB0QrQ
How might preserving Africa's journalistic memory through initiatives like this help shape better media practices and accountability for future generations?