• Honours Makinde, Adeniyan, Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, other exemplary leaders
By Our Reporter
The Federated Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, on Sunday, marked its 10th anniversary with a grand celebration that reflected a decade of journalistic excellence, institutional growth, and civic relevance.
The ceremony, held at the Ondo State Development and Property Corporation (OSDPC) Events Hall, was filled with pomp and glamour as the chapel honoured outstanding personalities who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to service, leadership, and development within and beyond Ondo State.
Crowning the list of honourees was Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, who received the Distinguished Leader Award and was named Ondo State Man of the Year.
His honour was in recognition of his visible developmental strides, including sponsoring the landmark bill that upgraded Adeyemi College of Education to a Federal University of Education, and his remarkable constituency projects that have transformed lives and infrastructure.
Comrade Alaba Aliu, Chairman of the NUJ Federated Chapel, described Makinde as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope, noting that his selection was unanimous and well-deserved.
Another prominent awardee was Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Grand Patron of the Federated Chapel, who was honoured for his strategic role in media governance, journalistic empowerment, and effective communication in public service.
His consistent support for the media, balanced reportage, and encouragement of professionalism were highlighted as worthy of emulation.
Also honoured was Very Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, a respected cleric, veteran journalist, and advocate of ethical media practice, who received the Distinguished Media Role Model Award.
Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, who is also a reputable gospel musician, was commended for his principled approach to media engagement, unwavering advocacy for truth, and community-focused outreach, which have earned him admiration both in and outside the media industry.
Other distinguished recipients included Comrade Ademola Odudu, Ondo State NURTW Chairman; Rev. (Dr.) Elizabeth Damilola Oshin, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; Hon. Ewatomilola Owoeye; Amb. (Dr.) Omobola Ojoge, Principal of Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure; and Dr. Tayo Olujuyigbe, Assistant Continental Overseer of RCCG Continent 3 and Regional Pastor of Region 22, whose efforts in educational, spiritual, and social transformation were celebrated.
Pastor Elijah Olujimi Ajibade, who was also recognised, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NUJ Chapel, attributing the honour to divine grace and reaffirming his commitment to service through faith and integrity.
In a thought-provoking keynote lecture, Professor Rufus Sola Fayose of Adekunle Ajasin University spoke on “Good Governance: A Path to Development in Nigeria,” stressing that transparency, rule of law, accountability, and citizen participation remain essential pillars for a just and progressive society.
He challenged both leaders and citizens to rise to the occasion by reforming institutions, reducing inequality, and creating opportunities for inclusive development, warning that without such efforts, sustainable progress would remain elusive.
Several members of the Federated Chapel were also recognised for their dedicated service to the union, including Prince Adefemi Ojopagogo, Prince Adebayo Adediran, and Mrs. Ngozi Aduloju, among others.
The awards were a celebration not just of individual excellence, but of collective advancement and the vital role journalism plays in shaping an enlightened and equitable society.
The anniversary celebration, rich in culture, insight, and inspiration, underscored the NUJ Federated Chapel’s enduring legacy and its commitment to spotlighting individuals whose lives and works mirror the ideals of service, truth, and transformational leadership.
