The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel (NUJIC), led by Comrade Ismail Fasasi, has recognized the Deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi, Commissioner for Information, Dr.Wasiu Olatunbosun, and Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Bsic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, with an award of excellence for their various contributions to the practice and development of journalism in the state.
Also honoured were the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Tunde Momoh, the Accountant General of Oyo State,vAlhaji Abdul Gaffar Bello, and the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr Sola Akande, for their performance in and contribution to Journalism practice in the State.
The awards and certificates of recognition were conferred to the honorees on Thursday at the NUJIC 2022 Press Week, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel, NUJIC, Comrade Ismail Fasasi, said that all the honorees were carefully chosen, noting that they are personalities who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.
He explained that his administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of its members by providing regular training workshops and capacity-building programmes.
He implored all members to continue to support his administration, as their contributions would go a long way in repositioning NUJIC.
Fasasi called on the journalists to be more professional and refrain from fake, unfounded, defamatory, and scandalous news, urging them to always verify information before reporting and not to report issues that will cause violence before, during, and after the election.
“When I and my executive members took over the mantle of leadership October last year, we pledged that our administration will rest on four major programmes, which include restoration of the vibrancy, that has been the pride of our chapel; improved welfare packages for members; capacity building and training for members; and promotion of collective responsibility, integrity and accountability.
“I am glad to inform our guests that all these promises have been kept since our first day in office. Also, today’s event is a testimony to this. A training workshop has been organised, and welfare packages have been provided for all members of this union.”
Today’s event, which includes the presentation of awards of excellence to some eminent personalities, recognises the honorees’ immense contributions to our dear state and humanity in general.”
“Also, certificates of recognition will be awarded to some of our past leaders at the Chapel who have contributed to the upliftment of our great Union.”
While speaking, Comrade Seye Ojo, the immediate vice chairman of the NUJ state council, who represented the state chairman, Demola Babalola, appreciated the attendees and insisted that the new administration in the state would deliver more dividends to the community of journalists.
He added that the State NUJ Press Centre would receive its asphaltic tarring and solar power installation within its first 100 days.
The keynote lecture, titled ‘The role of media as a watchdog and gatekeeping in the general elections,‘ was delivered by deputy vice-chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Olumuyiwa Popoola, ably represented by a senior lecturer, Department of Communications and Media, Dr Matthew Oni. Oni emphasized the functions journalists perform in society.
He also highlighted the need for journalists to embrace truth in their coverage, especially as the 2023 general elections approach, so as not to strengthen confusion in the country.
In their remarks, the awardees dedicated the award to the Executive Governor of Oyo State for working tirelessly to make life comfortable for the state’s citizens.
In his response, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Oyesola Oyedele, congratulated the NUJIC for the week and urged them to keep the union flag flying always.
He enjoined the members of NUJIC to continue to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of their professions.
Speaking further, the executive secretary of Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Sola Akande, enjoined the state’s citizens to take cognizance of the Health Insurance Scheme.
In his remarks, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Taiwo Adisa, enjoined journalists to shun fake news and ensure they publish balanced stories.
The event was graced by government functionaries, politicians, technocrats, educationists, traditional leaders, and others, among whom are representatives of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Mogaji Okito, Oloye Adesina Olatunji Aresa, P.A Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Akeem Rufai and a host of others.
