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- bags Icon of Journalism Award
Popoola Yaqoub
Senator Babafemi Ojudu , Special Adviser on Political Matters to former President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the larger public to show some elements of appreciation to journalists.
Ojudu,who represented Ekiti Central Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015 also called on government at all levels to extend hands of fellowship to journalists, describing them as democracy upholders.
Senator Ojudu,who is the. keynote speaker at the 2025 Annual Lecture, Award Ceremony , organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) said ” “Without the courage of the media, advent of stable democracy that many people are today enjoying, would have been a mirage”.
Speaking on the topic ” Role of Media in Changing the Narratives of Democracy Prospects in Nigeria – Ekiti Perspective”, said journalists must continually distinguish themselves as anchors of progress, by working hard for sake of promoting rights of the people, rather than pursuing self aggradisement.
” If you must make a mark in journalism, do not aim to pursue money at all cost, and by all means. Journalism does not sentence you to pursuing money, or make you to be drenched in utter poverty. Look for other decent mens of getting money without necessarily having to fall into hands of those looking for you”, he said.
” So, I expect the larger public to show more of elements of appreciation to journalists”, he said.
However, Ojudu warned journalists to refrain from dangerous reportage of events in the name of poor investigation and lack of background of materials. Journalists are to be very careful and avoid false, and orchestrated reports.
” Journalists must also also shift from celebrating only politicians and money and, but celebrate every good person in the society, including the best journalist, of the year, best farmer of the year, best teacher of the year, and best traditional ruler, or Doctor of the year, and so on”.
The media can never be praised for whatever they do. People will always ask questions.
Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji hailed the Chapel for their constructive reportage of the government activities, appealing to them to engage more in the area of balancing.
Oyebanji, represented by his Social Adviser on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, called on media practitioners across the State to embrace factual dissemination of news that would establish peace and harmony in Ekiti.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to Oyebanji, Yinka Oyebode, commended the Chapel for the good work they are doing in the state and promised to continue to allow for a convenient working environment.
He also admonished them to focus more on the area of investigative journalism, by trying to cross-check facts of the matter, before going to the press to publish.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Raphael Ogbonaiye explained that the event was an annual one, in which the chapel showcases its activities and award distinguished Nigerians, who are deemed to have excelled in their chosen careers and contributed meaningfully to the society.
In a goodwill message, the State NUJ Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi said it’s only Ekiti that does not have a befitting press centre in the country, appealin to all levels of government to rally round journalists, especially through an improved welfare package, to be able to deliver on their mandate of informing and educating the society.
The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, represented by the Arowa of Iyin-Ekiti, Chief Babatunde Ologuntoye, , commended journalists in the country and Ekiti for their key roles and urged them not to retreat in their endeavours.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Aspirant, Wole Oluyede as Icon of Democracy of the Year, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu as Political Icon of the Year, Senator Babafemi Ojudu as Icon of Journalism of the Year, Harrison Niyi Alonge as Icon of Humanitarian Service, as well as Certificate of Recognition presented to the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye.