By Grace Nwafor, Omrigbe Iyiowo, Hope Temitope, Osamagbe Imadiyi
Roundoffnews Reporter, Precious Oham has bagged the Hon. Yinka Oyebode Investigative Reporter of the Year Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council.
The versatile Reporter bagged the prestigious award at the Ekiti NUJ Awards/Dinner as part of activities marking the 2024 NUJ Press Week.
In his welcome address, Ekiti NUJ Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi disclosed that the event is not just aimed at celebrating Journalists, who have succeeded in their chosen careers but Journalists in general.
Babatuyi said the award is geared towards encouraging Journalists to contribute better in the society.
He appreciated DIG Abiodun Alabi for joining hands with the Union to embark on the ongoing project for the Council, stating that it is aimed at sustaining the integrity of journalism in the State.
He said, “We want to be a Union that will be independent, that will not rely on any politician before we can survive.
“I hope that after the completion of that project, the Union will have resources on it’s own to be able to facilitate without necessarily hoping on government.”
Representing the National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo was the Vice President Zone B, Ronke Samo, who disclosed that press week symbolizes a transition into a new year which gives Journalists the avenue to assess their performance in the previous year.
She also appreciated South West Journalists for gracing the event, adding that such event helps Journalists reconnect and bind together.
Some Journalists who won awards in other categories include; Yemi Ayeleso of Tribune Newspaper, Razaq Ibrahim of The Nation, among others, while the Online Chapel emerged the best Chapel of the Year.
Other eminent personalities bagged Meritorious Awards including; Ekiti Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, DIG Sylvester Alabi, immediate past Chairman of the Union, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Kayode Olusemire, Bashorun Babatope Alabi and Babatope Agbeyo.
The awardees took turns to express their delight to Ekiti NUJ for such special recognition.