The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is set to launch its new flagship project, the Living Archives Initiative, alongside a digital platform aimed at preserving Africa’s media history.
The launch, scheduled for 22nd October in Lagos, will also feature the unveiling of “Ladbone: A Life in Print”, an anthology of essays written in honour of veteran journalist Lade Bonuola.
The Living Archives Initiative is aimed at addressing a persistent gap in Africa’s journalistic memory, where important newspaper records, personal papers, photographs, broadcast recordings and first-hand accounts are often scattered, deteriorating or inaccessible.
CJID said the initiative would document, preserve and make accessible the lives and legacies of people whose work has shaped journalism, contributed to knowledge production and promoted public accountability and democratic development across the continent.
“Journalism cannot renew itself if it loses the memory of how earlier generations confronted power, defended standards and made difficult editorial choices,” CJID’s CEO, Dapo Olorunyomi, said.
“The Living Archives Initiative is an attempt to preserve that evidence as a resource that can help us gain the necessary context and think more clearly about journalism’s public purpose and future.”
The first edition of the project focuses on Lade Bonuola, popularly known as “Ladbone”, who is widely regarded as one of the most consequential editors in the history of the Nigerian press.
Mr Bonuola began his journalism career at the Daily Times, where he authored the critically acclaimed “Caught-out by Ladbone” column. He later became the pioneer editor and managing director of The Guardian and co-founded The Comet in 1999.
He subsequently became the supervising chief consultant to Compass Newspapers before returning to The Guardian as chief consultant.
His career, which spanned more than five decades, took him through some of the most critical periods in Nigeria’s history, including military rule, democratic transitions and major changes in newsroom culture.
CJID said Mr Bonuola’s career offers an invaluable perspective to examine editorial independence, ethics and professional standards in Nigerian journalism.
The book, Ladbone: A Life in Print, draws on contributions from more than 80 editors, media managers, academics, political figures and industry experts.
“This book of essays provides a critical view and honest assessment of those formative years, offering readers a nuanced account of how Nigerian journalists navigated the perilous terrain of military repression while sustaining integrity, accountability, leadership and family,” Mr Olorunyomi said.
The digital archival platform being launched alongside the initiative is expected to serve journalists, newsrooms and fact-checkers, researchers, academics and students, policymakers, media and cultural institutions, and the general public.
CJID said the platform would also provide historical evidence for policy discussions on press freedom, governance and democratic resilience, while offering media and cultural institutions a model for similar archival efforts across Africa.
In Lagos, the launch will feature a panel discussion, a formal book review, the unveiling of the anthology and a reception to mark Bonuola’s 80th birthday.
Participants will receive an exclusive look at the digital archival platform and engage in discussions on media memory, professional standards and public trust.
CJID said the initiative builds on its work in accountability and information integrity by extending its focus to historical preservation and public access to credible records of Africa’s media history.
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Members of the public, journalists and colleagues are invited to attend the virtual broadcast of the launch.
Registration is available via: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XpWbhOGSQwicm_VPfB0QrQ
About CJID
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is a technology and knowledge-producing think tank that works to strengthen journalism and democratic accountability in Africa.
Founded in Nigeria in 2014, CJID works across research, media innovation, civic technology, accountability, verification, press freedom and capacity building.
Its mission is to strengthen West Africa’s journalism sector and promote democratic accountability for inclusive and sustainable development.
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