By John Dike Osogbo
The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will on Thursday, October 29, honour the Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo; and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to public service, leadership, labour relations, community development and governance.
The award ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, is part of activities marking the 35th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week of the union.
Other prominent award recipients include Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly; the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mr Samuel Ojo; and the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II.
The list also features the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Mr Victor Akande, and the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Biyi Odunlade, among other notable individuals.
The Chairman of the NUJ Osun State Council, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, and the Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, disclosed the planned recognition in a statement announcing the event.
According to the council, the awards are intended to celebrate individuals whose contributions in their respective fields have positively impacted society and demonstrated a commitment to service, responsible leadership and development.
The union explained that the recognition was part of its broader efforts to promote excellence and acknowledge the roles played by individuals and institutions in advancing the social, economic and political development of Osun State.
The selection of recipients from different sectors also reflects the importance of collaboration among public officeholders, labour leaders, traditional institutions, political stakeholders and the media in addressing societal challenges and promoting good governance.
The NUJ noted that recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service and other areas of human endeavour would encourage greater dedication to duty and inspire others to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The award ceremony is one of the major activities lined up for the union’s 35th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week, which brings together journalists, government officials, labour leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to reflect on the role of the media in society.
The anniversary also provides an opportunity for journalists to assess the contributions of the union to professional development, ethical journalism and the promotion of public accountability.
The NUJ, as the umbrella body for practising journalists in Nigeria, has continued to advocate professionalism, responsible reporting and the protection of press freedom while encouraging constructive engagement between the media and other institutions.
The Osun State Council said the recognition would further strengthen relationships between journalists and stakeholders whose activities influence governance, public policy and community development.
The ceremony is expected to bring together members of the journalism profession and other invited guests to celebrate the award recipients and mark another milestone in the history of the union in Osun State.
