National Honour For Journalists: NAWOJ Appreciates President Buhari, Congratulates Recipients

By Ayodele Oni

The National Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) has described this year’s National Honours Award as unique and a plus for Democracy.

NAWOJ, in a statement by its National President, Ladi Bala, appreciated President Mohammadu Buhari for considering Journalists for the Honour.

National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Chris Isiguzo, Special Adviser to the President on media, Femi Adesina and former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA), Yakubi Ibn Mohammed are members of the pen profession who received award.

Bala, in a statement, said “A new dawn for Nigeria’s democracy is in the horizon following the recognition of the contributions of  distinguished, prominent Nigeria’s finest journalists who have contributed in moving the country forward in no small way.

“The conferment of National Award by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and seasoned administrator, Mr. Yakubu Ibn Mohammed and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President and former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina with the Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and the Award of the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), on the National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo and the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON) on the former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a communication strategist, Mr. Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye deserve commendation and praises.

“The deserving Awards on these distinguished journalists is a clear testament of the fact that the role of journalists and the media at large in the development of the country is accorded genuine recognition and appreciated by the federal government.

“It is equally worthy of note that this is the first time in the history of Journalism in Nigeria that such quality numbers are being recognized and so honoured by the federal government.

“The honours will certainly serve as a moral booster and lubricant to inspire other journalists to continue to provide quality information dissemination as well as generate better media contents and serve as the needed oxygen that will strengthen the ideals and principle of democracy for the overall good of  the society.

“The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), wishes to congratulate the four Distinguished journalists on the conferment of the National Awards and wish them higher and greater heights in their future endeavours.

“The Awards and recognition, speak volumes and indeed, a thing of pride to all journalists.

“Accordingly, NAWOJ commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the kind gesture accorded the 437 Nigerians who have rendered meritorious services towards the growth and development of the country.

“The 2022 National Honour Awards of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will surely be remembered for its unique choices of the  Awardees.”

It is not, however, the first time for Journalists. Both late Mrs  Remy Oyo and Dame Comfort Obi, were honoured with OON during the Governments of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively.