Media: Mandela week

As the world continues to react to the death of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid and African icon that emancipated South Africa, the media – both online, print and broadcast have unprecedentedly continued to devote more time and space to Mandela who championed the cause of justice and forgiveness in South Africa.

Mandela’s death made headlines in most media across the world with over 90 heads of state attending the funeral of the colossus.

In Nigeria, most newspapers, radio and TV stations focused on the death of Mandela, as Vanguard reported President Goodluck Jonathan saying that Nigerian politicians could not be compared with him (Mandela) as they threaten, boast and play little gods. BusinessDay also made headlines reporting activities on Mandela’s death.

The Guardian said in its editorial that “the world has lost its father figure and moral compass. He was indeed the man who stimulated humanity with vision and grace. His greatness even now in death is beyond compare.”

Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria, urged African leaders to emulate the virtues of the late anti-apartheid hero, saying that Mandela’s legacy could turn around socio-economic predicament on the continent.

Social media were filled with comments on Nelson Mandela as many commentators referred to Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, as a champion.

President Barrak Obama of the US was quoted as saying that his first political action was an anti-apartheid protest inspired by Mandela, who “achieved more than could be expected of any man,” saying “I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example Nelson Mandela set.”

Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Makaziwe, recounted the last moments of South Africa’s iconic former president, in an interview broadcast about the “wonderful” final hours of the former president, who died at 95.

By: Daniel Obi