The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel (NUJIC), Oyo State, led by Comrade Ismail Fasasi, held its 2022 Press Week with conferment of honours and awards on some eminent people in the state.
Among the honourees were the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor, Taiwo Adisa and Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi, for their contributions to the development of journalism in the state.
Others were Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Tunde Momoh, Accountant General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abdul Gaffar Bello and Executive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr Sola Akande.
The award and certificates of recognition were conferred on the honorees on Thursday at the NUJIC 2022 Press Week, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
In his welcome remarks, the chairman of NUJIC, Comrade Fasasi, said all the honorees were carefully chosen, noting that they are the personalities that have distinguished themselves in their chosen career.
He explained that his administration will continue to prioritise 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 journalists to be more professional and refrain from fake news, unfounded news, defamatory news, scandalous news and them to always verify information before reporting and not to report issues that will cause violence before, during and after election.
“When I and my executive members took over the mantle of leadership in October, last year, we pledged that our administration will rest on four major programmes.
“These include restoration of the vibrancy that has been the pride of our chapel; improved welfare packages for members; capacity building and training for members as well as 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 presentation of awards of excellence to some eminent personalities, is in recognition of 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 that have contributed to the upliftment of our great Union.”
While speaking, vice chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Comrade Seye Ojo, who represented the chairman, Demola Babalola, appreciated the attendees, insisting that the new administration in the state will deliver more dividends to the community of journalists.
He added that within its first 100 days, the packing space within the Oyo NUJ Press Centre would have asphaltic tarring and solar power installation.
In his keynote lecture, titled: ‘2023: The Role of Media as Watchdog and Gatekeeper in the General Elections’ (sic), Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Professor Olumuyiwa Popoola, emphasised the functions of journalists in the society.
Professor Popoola, who was represented by Dr Matthew Oni of the Department of Communications and Media, also highlighted the need for journalists to embrace truth in their coverage, especially as the 2023 general election approaches.
The awardees dedicated their awards to Governor Seyi Makinde for working to make life comfortable for the people and residents of Oyo State.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosu, was represented by Permanent Secretary, Mr Oyesola Oyedele, congratulated the NUJIC for the success of the 2023 Press Week, urging the members to keep the flag of the Union flying.
The executive secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Akande, enjoined the people of the state to take cognizance of the health insurance scheme.
In his own remarks, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Oyo State, Taiwo Adisa, urged journalists to shun fake news and make sure they put out balanced stories.
