The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde of the state on the conferment of an award of ‘Governor of the Year’ on him by the management of the Vanguard Newspaper.
The organization had said it awarded the Governor of the State the honour for his exceptional qualities and achievements in the field of education, health and infrastructure development of the pacesetter state.
The award was conferred on him Friday night at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, by Vanguard Newspaper.
The NUJ congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by the NUJ chairman and secretary in the state, Comrade Ademola Babalola and Comrade Olusola Oladapo, respectively, on Saturday.
The NUJ noted that Makinde was garlanded with the honour in the area of politics, which the General Manager and Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Media, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, captured in his encomiums on Makinde and other awardees in the category.
According to Adefaye, Makinde and other awardees are individuals that have served with integrity and dedication, working tirelessly to improve the lives of their constituents and the nation as a whole.
He added that they have put the needs of their constituents above their own and have been true servants of the people, apart from championing the cause of the underprivileged and standing up for the rights of the marginalised.
MHe further described them as visionary leaders, who have brought about change for all citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Following this development, the NUJ, Oyo State Council, in the statement, stated that the reward of hard work is more work, saying: “We members of NUJ are expected to play neutral roles among political parties and gladiators alike, which we have been doing admirably and responsibly.
“Nevertheless, if something is good, we are expected to say it and when it is otherwise, we are not expected to keep quiet.
“So, we identify with Governor Seyi Makinde on your auspicious achievements, that have endeared you to individuals, groups and corporate organisations within and outside Oyo State. Therefore, we enjoin you to continue on the right track. We also give kudos to members of your administration that have made the achievements possible, as well as the entire people of the state on the honour that Governor Makinde brought to the state.”
