By Akin Amos
The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has conferred Fellow of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (FNUJ), on the retiring Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya.
The President of the Union, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, bestowed the prestigious honour during a dinner and send forth programme organized by the Ogun State Council of the NUJ, for Onasanya and retired General Manager of the Ogun State Television (OGTV), Mr Tunde Kassim.
The NUJ President lauded the contributions of Onasanya who was employed into the service of the Ogun State Government as Information Officer and rose through the ranks to become the first journalist in the State, first in the South West States and second in the whole of Nigeria to be Head of Service.
At the event which was well attended by the Body of Permanent Secretaries in the State, labour leaders which included the State Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, Comrades Hammed Benco and Akeem Lasisi respectively; the former National President of NULGE, Comrade Akeem Ambali; State Chairmen of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Teachers, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Comrades Oluwatoyin Oritogun, Comrade Noah Sewakanu, and Isa Olude respectively; media executives and League of Veteran Journalists, the NUJ President described Onasanya as an icon of journalism and a worthy ambassador of the pen profession.
Yahya appreciated the contributions of both Onasanya and Kassim to the growth of journalism in the State, submitting that the national body of the Union would not stop celebrating individual journalists who are exemplary in the profession.
“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 br 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 or 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”, he said
The NUJ President added that lots of reforms basically on members’ welfare are being rigorously pursued by the leadership of the Union, emphasizing improved salary for joirnalists’ working in different organisations, as well as 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. He expressed his delight in the impressive performance of the State leadership which he acknowledged has changed the narratives of the Council.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, thanked the national leadership of the Union for counting Onasanya worthy with the conferment status of Fellow of the NUJ.
Olanrewaju noted that Onasanya who served the Union in different capacities was truly and indeed 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 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 one single query in his record all through his 34 years in service.
“Mr Onasanya is our icon, a leader that we are proud of. His contributions to Ogun NUJ is second to none. He was a member of the executive that built a Guest House for the Union to generate revenue. He is a brigde in the Union.
“Equally, the retired GM, OGTV, Mr Tunde Kassim, is also a distinguished member of the Union. He is a bonafide member whose financial committment has helped the Union greatly.
“Mr Kassim ensured that all activities of the Union are aired on the State owned station, even at the shortest notice. We thank them for their selfless service and committment, ” Olanrewaju said.
In his response, the outgoing HoS said his background and engagement with journalism and information management assisted him tremendously in discharging his responsibilities 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 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 underpin 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”, he added
