By Emeka Nwokocha
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, on Wednesday 21 August, 2024, held its first rotational congress at Delta Government House Annex, Warri.
The Chairman of NUJ Delta Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described the congress as a historic event, stating that the rotational congress would continue throughout his tenure.
Veteran journalist, philanthropist and former bureau chief of the Vanguard, Punch, and National Mirror Newspapers, Asiwaju Shola Adebayo was honoured by NUJ Delta Council with a prestigious “Award of Excellence” in recognition of his outstanding performance.
Comr. Churchill Oyowe presented the award to Asiwaju Adebayo and commended him for showing commitment to union activities and contributing to the wellbeing of journalists.
Continuing, Comr. Oyowe lauded Adebayo’s contribution to the development of journalism in the state and the Niger Delta region, stating that the award was a well-deserved honour fitting the recipient’s unassailable pedigree.
“This is a token of our appreciation to you for your unrelenting support for the union’s projects even after your retirement from active practice,” Oyowe stated.
Speaking, Asiwaju Adebayo described the award as a surprise gift from the union, assuring of his continued support for his colleagues in the pen profession.
He advised journalists to be innovative and use the profession as a potential base for making greater achievements beyond their journalism career.
Adebayo encouraged journalists to employ modern-day journalistic tools to improve their reportage.
In further proof of his rare philanthropic gesture, Adebayo made further donations to an upcoming project of the union and also provided a sumptuous meal for every journalist that attended the congress.
The prolific award-winning writer commended the Oyowe-led Delta NUJ Council and all journalists in the state for their unity and promised more support for future activities of the Union.
It would be recalled that Asiwaju Shola Adebayo has been offering philanthropic support to retired and practicing journalists in the state who are in need and facing health challenges.
Journalists from across the state attended the congress, including scores of dignitaries outside the media industry.
