By Emmanuel Oloniruha, NAN
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; and a United Kingdom-based economist and data analyst, Daramola Omoyele, and other notable individuals have been honoured by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The awards, presented by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Kogi State Council, recognised the recipients for their significant contributions to public service and societal development.
Other awardees included the former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi; the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Sule Enehe; and Hon. Leke Abejide (Kogi-APC), representing the Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The ceremony took place in Lokoja during the grand finale of the 2026 Press Week of the Correspondent’s Chapel, an event that also featured a public lecture and a N250 million fundraising drive for the construction of a new chapel secretariat.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State commended journalists for their professionalism and patriotism.
Ododo, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, the Governor described the media as a “credible link” between the government and the people.
“As correspondents representing diverse media organisations across Nigeria, you have helped project Kogi to the national and international stage,” Ododo said.
“You have demonstrated both the power of citizen journalism and the weight of ethical responsibility, keeping us on our toes and constructively pointing out areas where we must improve.”
He cautioned, however, against the misuse of the “power of the pen,” urging practitioners to act with sincerity of purpose and to partner with the government in finding solutions to state challenges rather than merely highlighting shortcomings.
The event also featured a keynote lecture by Dr Femi Ajisafe, Chairman of the Kogi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, titled “Bad Roads: Looking for an alternative mode through the inland waterways corridor – passenger and cargo transportation in Nigeria.”
Ajisafe decried the deteriorating state of road transport and urged the federal and state governments to unlock the potential of the Rivers Niger and Benue.
“Nigeria’s Rivers Niger and Benue hold immense potential as transport hubs, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional modes,” Ajisafe noted.
“It is time to turn the tide and make Nigeria’s waterways a key driver of development.”
In an interview following the presentation, Daramola Omoyele, recipient of the “Award of Excellence and Impact,” described the honour as a “call to do more.”
Represented by Mr Richard Elesho, a former Director of Press in Kogi State, Omoyele emphasised the need to bridge the gap between data, policy, and public service.
“I regard this honour as an affirmation of the value of innovation, evidence-based thinking, and practical solutions in advancing governance,” Omoyele stated.
“Nigeria can build an economy that creates jobs and rewards enterprise with better leadership and smarter policy choices.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Omoyele urged the youth to eschew sentiment and vote based on competence and economic direction.
He also warned against the structural economic problem of capital flight, calling for public resources to be reinvested into projects with direct benefits for the citizenry.
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Segun Salami, expressed optimism that the discussions held during the Press Week would contribute to solving Nigeria’s pressing transport and economic challenges. (NAN)
