In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of sports in Oyo state, the federal lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the National Assembly, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Dhikrullahi Olajide, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in Sports Development by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter.
The Award was presented by the Chairman of the association in Oyo state, Ayomiku Ajibola.
Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, Hon. Olajide expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a significant honour.
He acknowledged that numerous individuals could have been considered for the award, but appreciated the association for deeming him worthy.
“It is a huge honour. There are a lot of people out there, but you chose to honour me. I do not take this for granted,” he stated.
Hon. Olajide, who humbly described himself as “just a storekeeper,” cautioned the organisers to be mindful of the individuals they choose to celebrate, emphasizing that some award recipients in society may not be deserving.
“Be watchful of who you give awards to. There are questionable characters out there. Your institution is very powerful and I hold the media in high regard,” he noted.
Reflecting on the golden era of journalism, the lawmaker paid tribute to veteran journalists, including, Yanju Adegbite, Feyi Ogunduyile, Fabio Lanipekun, among others, whom he described as professionals with contentment and a strong commitment to speaking truth to power.
“These are the crop of people who had contentment. They spoke truth to power,” he said.
Hon. Olajide described politics as a delicate game that requires a strong moral compass, stating that his guiding principle is the fear of God.
“The only difference I hold from the crowd is the fear of God in me. With the fear of God, you are able to guide yourself,” he asserted.
He reiterated his commitment to legislative responsibility, noting that he actively participates in parliamentary debates and ensures his actions align with his conscience.
“I ask questions a lot in the parliament. I do not do anything at the detriment of my conscience,” he declared.
Hon. Olajide decried the state of the nation, describing it as worrisome and charged journalists to remain steadfast as the last hope of the common man. He warned that any compromise in their duties could be detrimental to the country.
“If you journalists compromise, we are done for as a nation. What we have in the media now is mopping up negatives, but you can’t clean up a mess already out there,” he remarked.
The federal lawmaker urged politicians to remain accountable to the people and to uphold integrity in governance, while also calling for the emergence of leaders with credibility and character in Nigeria’s politics, stressing that the nation needs individuals who will work for the good of the people.
He acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians and disclosed that his office will continue making efforts to provide relief to the people within its capacity and also emphasized the importance of financial independence in public service, revealing that having a second source of income has enabled him to continue supporting his constituents.
“I have a second address and that is why I have been able to sustain taking care of my people and in the spirit of the season, we are giving out within our utmost best because there is hunger in the land,” he stated.
