The Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr. Abu Micheal, has been named Kogi State Most Responsible Journalist Award for 2016.
The award was yesterday presented to Mr Abu for his responsible reporting of events and and events and for also exhibiting the highest level of professionalism when he served as the Chief Press Secretary to the Kogi State Deputy Governor.
At the award presentation, held at the NUJ Secretariat, the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Asiru Idris Asiwaju, while making the presentation on behalf of Autograph Event Magazine, said the award could not have come at a better time than now when professionalism and responsible journalism practice is the vogue, described the recipient as truly responsible and deserving of the award.
Asiru who was represented at the event charged other practicing journalists to emulate the good conduct and high level of professionalism displayed by Mr Abu, when he served, said aside being selfless in the discharge of his duties, his reports of government news and commentaries, not only educated and informed Kogites, his reportage had a measure of balance even while highlighting government programs and policies.
The Commissioner called on journalists in the state to be fair and objective in their reportage, urged them to emulate the standards of Mr Abu, describing him as a thorough breed professional with integrity.
Also speaking, the Kogi State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ali Atabor said the recipient was a worthy ambassador of the union when he served, commended Mr Abu for being able to display professionalism and excellence in the discharge of his duties.
In his remarks, Alex Babalola, publisher of the Autograph Event Magazine, said the award was geared towards appreciating the human relations and professional prowess of the former CPS when he served, prayed God to grant him other opportunities to enable him serve the state and take the profession to greater heights.
In a remarks, Abu Micheal, said the award is coming to him as a surprise, assured that it would however spur him to do more in future for his fatherland. Abu, who is also the publisher of the NIGERIAN POST NEWSPAPERS, dedicated the award to God Almighty, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, Yomi Awoniyi, and to all practicing journalists in Kogi State, whom he said assisted him greatly to excel.
