NUJ confers fellowship award on retiring Ogun Head of Service

…describes him as journalism icon

The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday conferred the Fellowship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (FNUJ) on the retiring Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, during a dinner and send-forth programme organised by the Ogun State Council of the NUJ for Onasanya and the retired General Manager of Ogun State Television (OGTV), Mr Tunde Kassim.

The President of the Union, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, bestowed the prestigious honour during the event held in Ogun State.

The NUJ President lauded the contributions of Onasanya, who was employed into the service of the Ogun State Government as an Information Officer and rose through the ranks to become the first journalist in the state, the first in the South-West and the second in Nigeria to become Head of Service.

At the event, which was attended by the Body of Permanent Secretaries in the state, labour leaders including the state Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, Comrades Hammed Benco and Akeem Lasisi respectively; former National President of NULGE, Comrade Akeem Ambali; media executives and members of the League of Veteran Journalists, the NUJ President described Onasanya as an icon of journalism.

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He appreciated the contributions of both Onasanya and Kassim to the growth of journalism in the state, stating that the national body of the Union would continue to celebrate journalists who distinguish themselves in the profession.

He said, “One of my campaign promises is to ensure that those that have made marks in journalism are duly honoured. We blow the trumpet for others to be heard or read, no one is blowing our trumpet for us. The time is here for us to celebrate ourselves. This is a legacy my administration at the National level is putting in place.

“Today, we are here celebrating two of our colleagues for doing us proud. Most importantly, we are here celebrating Mr Onasanya for being the first journalist to become the HoS in this state. This is a message to all of us that we must be exceptional in our calling.”

The NUJ President added that several reforms, particularly in the area of members’ welfare, were being vigorously pursued by the leadership of the Union. He specifically mentioned improved salaries for journalists working in different organisations and the health insurance scheme programme.

He commended the executive members of the Union in the state, under the chairmanship of Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, for organising a befitting programme in honour of Onasanya and Kassim.

In his remarks, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Olanrewaju, thanked the national leadership of the Union for counting Onasanya worthy of the conferment of the Fellow of the NUJ status.

Olanrewaju noted that Onasanya, who served the Union in different capacities, was truly a “pride of the pen profession” in the state.

“The retiring HoS has made us proud. He distinguished himself as a core journalist which earned him the position of the number one civil/public servant in the State. He is a man of integrity and honour. He is highly tenacious in the discharge of his duty, no wonder that he has no record of a single query throughout his 34 years in service.

“The retiring HoS is our icon, a leader that we are proud of. His contributions to Ogun NUJ are second to none. He was a member of the executive that built a Guest House for the Union to generate revenue. He is a bridge in the Union.

“Equally, the retired GM, OGTV, Mr Tunde Kassim, is also a distinguished member of the Union. He is a bonafide member who is financially committed to the Union. He ensured that all activities of the Union are aired on the state-owned station, even at short notice. We thank them for their selfless service and commitment,” Olanrewaju said.

The outgoing HoS said his background and engagement in journalism and information management assisted him tremendously in discharging his responsibilities as Head of Service.

He said, “This profession shaped my approach to public administration and taught me that governance is as much about communication as it is about policy. The principles of accuracy and precision which define journalism became part of my guide in decision-making. In public service, a single misstatement or an unchecked figure can affect policy, public trust, and ultimately impact lives.

“I learned the importance of verification, clarity, and communicating without ambiguity. That discipline came largely from the journalistic ethos which the NUJ continues to uphold.

“I wish to use this opportunity to underline that the media remains the conscience of society. It holds power to account, gives voice to the people, and reminds those in public office that leadership is ultimately about service.

“While scrutiny may sometimes be uncomfortable, it remains necessary for the growth of any democratic society. I have always seen the relationship between government and the media not as adversarial, but complementary.

“We all seek a better-informed public and a more progressive Ogun State. Whenever government and the media understood and respected each other’s roles, the people benefited the most.”