Four distinguished Nigerians including the Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti, Oba (Dr) Sunday Aniyi Aikuirawo, two Local Government chairmen, Hon Bamidele Fadugba and Hon Anthonia Omonusi as well as the Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Gender Empowerment, Mrs Kemisola Olaleye were on Wednesday presented various awards by the State Information chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State.
The awards were in recognition of their contributions to community development, gender empowerment and outstanding leadership.
Presenting the awards in Ado Ekiti during the 2024 edition of the annual Information Week of the Union, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatubosun said the awards would not only spur the awardees on in giving more selfless service to the people but also challenge other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture in building a society where everyone looks out for their neighbours.
Olatubosun who highlighted the various achievements of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration in Ekiti State urged Information Officers in the State to redouble their efforts in sensitizing the public on the good works of the government.
The Commissioner charged the Officers on capacity building and character development as image makers of the government, noting that building self-esteem as protocol journalists can further contribute to the sustainability of the good image of Ekiti State.
In the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode also advise the media practitioners to always think outside the box and have innovative ways of reporting the activities of the government.
Oyebode equally urged the journalists not to forget to take care of their health while working as health is wealth.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Council of NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi congratulated Information Chapel for a successful event but also re-echo the challenges being faced by information officers and re-presented the position of the union on the welfare of its members to the State government.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman NUJ, State Information Chapel, Comrade Wale Obelewaji asserted that members of the union in his chapel have been living up to expectation by providing effective publicity of government activities, promoting the good image of the government of the day through factual, timely and adequate dissemination of information which has in a way made Ekiti State a preferred tourist and business destination in the country.
Obelewaji who used the opportunity to thank Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the priority attention being given to the welfare of journalists also hailed the Commissioner for Information and the Special Adviser on Media for always supporting the union’s cause.
The annual press week celebration featured a medical check-up for members, indoor games and Asun night, amongst others.
