As part of activities to mark the grand finale of 2021 NUJ Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi state council, illustrious patriots from within and outside the state were honoured for their achievements.
The state commissioner for works, Engineer Abubakar Ohere was conferred with the ‘icon of quality service delivery’ award in recognition of his administrative acumen noticeable through the several infrastructural projects across the state under his watch.
Ohere commended the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists towards upholding the ethics of their profession.
“The media continues to play crucial role in educating and making individuals, communities, and society conscious about sustainable development, the need for more sustainable patterns of production and consumption, and encouraging them to take action directed towards change and a more sustainable future.
“The government of Alh. Yahaya Bello is forever prepared in doing more for the good people of Kogi State and this is more realised when the media sends accurate information to the people,” he said.
The NUJ council also honoured the member representing Yagba federal constituency in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Hon. Leke Abejide.
Abejide was conferred with the ‘icon of grassroot emancipation’ award.
Kogi journalists commended the federal lawmaker for his meritorious service and sacrifice for humanity. They noted that his interventions, through the Leke Abejide Foundation, has touched almost all areas of human needs, especially the widows, students, the aged and less privileged in the society.
Represented at the awards ceremony by his chief of staff, Hon. Samuel Adebola Gaddafi, the Reps member acknowledged the struggle of the Nigerian Union of Journalists since the colonial era to date, and their relentless efforts to ensure an egalitarian society.
“Today, looking at the future of Nigeria’s democracy and electoral process, we have more to do. Although, INEC is the umpire of our electoral system, the body is still being built. The electoral act is central to successful elections, but it is far from being perfect, it would therefore be seen that the NUJ Kogi State Chapter has set itself the novel task to work together with the independent body to achieve more successes.
“As a progressive democrat, I have a strong conviction that electronic voting and transfer of results will give more credibility to our electoral system, this I stand with, alongside the majority of my colleagues in the green chamber,” he said.
While appreciating their choice of theme for this year’s NUJ week, Abejide said “this is the best gift the journalists can give the Nigerian people whom they are defending.”
Another recipient, Barr. David Aiyedogbon charged journalists to strive to balance their reports at all times.
Aiyedogbon who bagged the NUJ ‘icon of philanthropy’ award counseled journalists to remain conscious of the need to weigh the import of their reportage to the public in the interest of the security of the society.
After announcing a handsome donation toward infrastructural projects in the press centre, Aiyedogbon, popularly known as Charvid. promised continued support for journalists in the state.
Other award recipients at the occasion included Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, the Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District at the red Chambers of the National Assembly. He was given an award as an Icon of Democracy.
Also, Mr. Tukura Peter Tuwohu, the Chairman Governing Council, Kogi State College of Education (Technical) Kabba bagged the ‘icon of community development’ award.
