"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" and "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others".
These popular quotes best describe the deserved recognition given to three distinguished Nigerians by the News and Current Affairs Department of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, for their selfless service and philanthropic gestures over the years.
They are renowned philanthropist and Osun West Senatorial District hopeful, Chief Peter Ogundeji, popularly called APATA, the Ayedero of Yorubaland and former federal lawmaker, Chief Shina Peller, as well as the Chairperson, Association of Women Town Planners of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Oladiran Olaide.
At its annual Appreciation Day celebration held at Studio One, Broadcasting House, Dugbe, Ibadan, the department presented awards of News Personality of the Year to them in recognition of their immense contributions to the media profession and society at large.
Receiving his award, Chief Peter Ogundeji appreciated the News and Current Affairs Department and the FRCN in general for the recognition, promising to continue to contribute his quota to the development of the country.
Chief Ogundeji particularly pledged to support the station in addressing some of its challenges to ensure that Radio Nigeria continues to set the pace in the broadcast industry.
The Osun West Senatorial District aspirant maintained that he decided to join politics to provide quality leadership and representation for the people, and urged media professionals to remain steadfast and committed to the truth in order to strengthen public trust in the profession.
Also receiving his award, Chief Shina Peller, who was represented by his media aide, Mr Kola Popoola, said giving back to society has always come naturally to him, noting that the award would further inspire him to do more.
Earlier, in a lecture entitled “The media as a strategic partner in credible elections”, Chief Peller tasked the media to move beyond merely reporting events to becoming active protectors of the democratic process as the 2027 general election approaches.
The Ayedero of Yorubaland maintained that Radio Nigeria, with its vast reach, must leverage its platform to debunk deepfakes, viral falsehoods and rumours in real time.
In a goodwill remark, the Chairperson, Association of Women Town Planners of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Olaide Oladiran, described Radio Nigeria as a flagship of broadcasting in the country, noting the need to deepen partnership with the station for the betterment of her association in the state.
In the same vein, some retired members of staff, who spoke through their representative, Reverend Olusegun Ayankoso, commended the News Management for sustaining the legacy of appreciating staff and deserving Nigerians, while pledging their continued support to the station.
In an address, the Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Olufemi Fulani, charged members of the News and Current Affairs Department of the corporation to always carry out their duties with utmost professionalism, for which the corporation is known.
Mr Fulani assured listeners of improved programming and the provision of useful information for the overall growth of society.
While welcoming guests, the Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs Department, Mr Adewumi Faniran, called for the support of all stakeholders to sustain FRCN Ibadan as a strong force in the broadcast industry.
Mr Faniran appreciated members of staff for their dedication and resilience in upholding the station’s mandate over the years.
Also at the event, certificates of recognition were awarded to outstanding staff from different units in the News and Current Affairs Department, including Mrs Dupe Isename, Mr Abimbola Salami, Mr Oluwakayode Banjo, Miss Rasheedah Makinde, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oginni, Mr Jeffrey Ahonmisi, Mrs Fawzeeyah Kasheem and Mrs Folakemi Wojuade.
Media and Communications Office
Chief (Dr) Peter Taiwo Ogundeji (APATA)
The Oluomo of Gbotaru, Ido-Osun
Aspirant for Senate, Osun West Senatorial District, 2027.
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