NUJ Honours Retired Ogun Head of Service, Onasanya, With Fellowship Award

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, has conferred the prestigious Fellowship Award (FNUJ) on the retired Head of Service of Ogun State, Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, in recognition of his meritorious and selfless service in the Ogun State public service.

The Fellowship Award was presented by the NUJ National President during a send-forth dinner organised by the Ogun State Council of the union in honour of Onasanya and the retired General Manager of Ogun State Television (OGTV), Tunde Kassim. The event was held at the NUJ Council Secretariat, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

In his goodwill message, Yahaya praised Onasanya’s remarkable contributions to journalism and public service, noting that he began his career in the Ogun State civil service as an Information Officer and rose through the ranks to become Head of Service.

He described Onasanya as the first journalist in Ogun State, the first in the South-West, and the second in Nigeria to attain the position of Head of Service.

The NUJ President also commended the contributions of both Onasanya and Kassim to the development of journalism in Ogun State, stressing that the union would continue to celebrate journalists who distinguished themselves in the profession.

“One of my campaign promises is to ensure that those who have made significant marks in journalism are duly honoured. We publicise the achievements of others for the world to hear and read, yet no one blows the trumpet for us. The time has come for journalists to celebrate themselves. This is a legacy my administration is putting in place at the national level,” Yahaya said.

“Today, we are celebrating two of our colleagues for making us proud, especially Mr Onasanya, for becoming the first journalist to attain the position of Head of Service in Ogun State. This should serve as motivation for all journalists to be exceptional in their calling,” he added.

Yahaya further disclosed that the NUJ leadership was pursuing several reforms aimed at improving members’ welfare, including enhanced remuneration for journalists and the introduction of a health insurance scheme.

He also commended the Ogun State NUJ leadership, led by Akinwale Olanrewaju, for organising a befitting event in honour of the retirees.

In his remarks, Olanrewaju thanked the national leadership of the union for recognising Onasanya with the Fellowship status of the NUJ.

He described the retired Head of Service as “a pride of the pen profession” in Ogun State, noting that he served the union diligently in various capacities.

“The retired Head of Service has made us proud. He distinguished himself as a core journalist, which eventually earned him the position of the number one public servant in Ogun State. He is a man of integrity and honour, highly dedicated to duty, with no record of a single query throughout his 34 years in service,” Olanrewaju said.

He added that Onasanya contributed immensely to the growth of the union, including serving on the executive committee that built a guest house for revenue generation.

Speaking further, Olanrewaju also described Kassim as a committed and distinguished member of the union who ensured that activities of the NUJ received adequate coverage on the state-owned television station, even at short notice.

Responding, Onasanya expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him, noting that his background in journalism and information management greatly assisted him in the discharge of his duties as Head of Service.

“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 that define journalism became part of my guide in decision-making,” he said.

“In public service, a single misstatement or unchecked figure can affect policy, public trust, and ultimately impact lives. I learned the importance of verification, clarity, and communication without ambiguity. That discipline came largely from the journalistic ethos which the NUJ continues to uphold.”

Onasanya also emphasised the critical role of the media in society.

“The media remains the conscience of society. It holds power accountable, 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 understand and respect each other’s roles, the people benefit the most,” he stated.

The event was attended by members of the Ogun State Body of Permanent Secretaries, labour leaders including the state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Hammed Benco and Akeem Lasisi respectively, former National President of NULGE, Akeem Ambali, media executives, members of the League of Veteran Journalists, and other well-wishers.