By Yinka Ezun
Comrade Moses Olafare, the Director of Media & Public Affairs to the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II and the Iyalaje Oodua, Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, got awards of excellence from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council on Thursday.
While Comrade Olafare got awarded as the ‘Best Yoruba Indigenous, Traditional and Cultural Media Man of the Year’, the Iyalaje Oodua was awarded as the ‘Most Industrious Woman in Yorubaland’by the Union.
In his opening remark, Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela, Chairman of the Council, described the awardees as worthy personalities who have contributed immensely to the successful practice of journalism in Nigeria.
“Tonight is not for long speeches, I just want to thank you for all you have been doing and I wish to implore you not to relent in making Nigeria a better place for all through your support for journalism.” Comrade Ojomoyela stated.
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Addressing newsmen after the event, the Ooni’s spokesman who was represented by his Personal Assistant, described journalists particularly those belonging to the Ekiti State chapel like their counterparts nationwide, have been ‘a partner in progress’ in his duty to promote the prestigious Yoruba culture.
“They have offered us their platforms in print, broadcast and the internet. On behalf of the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, the House of Oduduwa is very pleased and we shall continue to hold the men of the noble pen profession in a very high esteem.” Comrade Olafare stated.
Represented by the Saabe of Otun-Ekiti, Chief Kehinde Atolagbe, the Iyalaje Oodua equally expressed her heartfelt joy, describing journalists as indispensable stakeholders required for nation building.
“All I have to say is to urge our lovely comrades (journalists) to keep up with the good work, even in the face of oppression and hostile environments because we all look up to them. I am so happy for this recognition and I say a very big thanks.” Princess (Dr.) Kolade said.
