Kogi NUJ Press week Grand Finale 2025: Elulu Of Mopa, Engr. Bashir Gegu, Comrade Edoka, COE Provost, Others bags Leadership Awards
By Abubakar Suleman
With a focus on the theme “ Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development.” is fashioned out by the Kogi State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, were several dignitaries are honoured and presented with leadership awards.
The event featured lectures and presentation of leadership Awards to various leaders and traditional rulers who have excelled in their various fields of endeavours on Thursday at NUJ press centre, Lokoja.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the paramount ruler of Mopa Amuro, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, representative of Commissioner for solid minerals, Hon. Bashir Abubakar Gegu, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, Provost of College of Education, Ankpa and several other personalities.
In his remark, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun thanked the NUJ for recognizing hard work, and congratulated other award winners on the honor.
On his part, the representative of the commissioner for solid minerals, Alhaji Abdulsalam Hudu who is his permanent secretary, noted that the government is committed to achieving growth in the state, called for stronger media coverage of government activities, especially the ministry of solid minerals, even as he congratulated other awardees, and encouraged the Executive members of Kogi NUJ to sustain their good works.
He said that Ododo’s administration had prioritised the development of the solid minerals sector, in view of its potential to drive industrialisation, job creation, and revenue diversification beyond oil.
He added: “With the acquisition of the minerals titles, the state is poised to become a major player in the solid minerals industry.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the sector is developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.
“The expected development is expected to open up multiple streams of revenue that would boost all-round development in the state”.
The commissioner charged journalists to play a pivotal role in driving development in the solid minerals sector by promoting responsible mining and sustainable development.
The guest Speaker, Dr Tope Joel, highlighted the role of the media in ensuring the actualisation of the goal of harnessing Kogi’s solid mineral deposits for economic development.
Mr. Joel urged Kogi government to establish a solid mineral development company with a directorate to regulate and closely monitor mining activities.
Speaking on behalf of the NUJ executive members, the chairman of the council, Comrade Saidu Ademu, expressed appreciation to members for their support in ensuring a successful press week and award ceremony. He assured that the council would continue to deliver excellence in its professional duties.
He appealed to the state government to restore end-of-year financial assistance to NUJ members and fulfill its promise of providing a brand new bus for the Union.
Comrade Ademu also urged the government to renovate the NUJ secretariat and the Lord Lugard colonial house in the NUJ premises.
He commended the Gov. Ododo led government for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the media sector to thrive.
He highlighted some of milestones achieved by the Council to include the revival of the NUJ clinic and construction of an overflow attached to the Council hall.
Seidu also mentioned the challenge of funding being faced by the Council to run the secretariat and pay its staff.
He thanked the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo and other government officials for their support to the council.
His Royal Majesty, Ohimege of Koton-karfe, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu expressed joy and satisfaction over his recognition, pledging his support to the NUJ, Kogi state council.
Other recipients of this year’s awards included Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, Elulu Of Mopa, Sen. Jibrin Isah Echocho, Sen. Sunday Steve Karimi, Hon. Arc. Salman Idris, VC, PAAU, Proff. Marietu Tenuche, Special Adviser on Labour matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara, Dr. Provost, College of Education, Ankpa, Paul Femi Fashagba, and Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem.
