By JKNewsMedia Reporter
RECOGNITION OF contributions to journalism and public governance forms the core of the announcement as the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) announces recipients of its 2025 Press Week Awards.
This forms part of preparations for the council’s annual celebration, themed Unlocking Opportunities for Businesses in a Challenging Economy: The Role of the Media/Roadmaps to Energy Security in Nigeria.
According to the union, the awards recognise individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly advanced the Union, strengthened public governance, and promoted the ideals of responsible leadership.
The council said it positioned the honours as a reflection of dedication, service, and leadership that continue to inspire excellence within the journalism profession and the broader civic space.
It also released the information in a statement jointly signed by Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Tunde Olalere, Secretary, and Wale Akodu, Chairman of the Press Week Committee, outlining the names of the award recipients and the basis for their selection, noting that each honouree had demonstrated outstanding contributions either to the Union or to public governance.
Listing Mr. Olatunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), as a recipient, the union said he will be honoured for his outstanding contributions to NUJ and public governance.
Bello’s inclusion reflects the council’s emphasis on recognising leadership that supports its development and contributes to governance structures that affect journalists and the public, the statement also notes.
The union also announced that Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, will receive an award of excellence.
Aregbe’s recognition, the NUJ says, is based on outstanding contributions to public governance, placing him among the individuals the council considers instrumental in improving civic engagement and government-related activities relevant to media environments.
Another honouree identified in the statement is Mr. Olusina Thorpe, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State.
According to the union, Thorpe will be honoured for his outstanding contributions to NUJ for his direct support, signifying the council’s appreciation for contributions that shape internal development and professional standards.
Also, Mr. Lanre Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, will receive an award for his outstanding contributions to NUJ which informed the decision, and placing him in the same category of recognition as other contributors to the Union’s growth and operational advancement.
Another recipient, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde, Deputy President of the NUJ, will also be celebrated. The council stated that her outstanding contributions to NUJ earned her a place among the honourees.
Additionally, her position within the Union and involvement in its activities featured in the release as part of the justification for the award.
The NUJ Lagos State Council stated that it recognises the huge contributions of these awardees to the development of the Union and to the state in general, describing their dedication, service, and leadership as sources of inspiration within journalism and the broader civic space.
This recognition also aligns with its emphasis on promoting responsible leadership and strengthening governance structures that influence media practice.
The council highlighted that the honours will be formally presented at the Gala/Awards Night scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025, at BOS Hall, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, and will commence at 4.00pm.
Lagos NUJ stated that this year’s celebration promises to be a memorable gathering of media professionals, stakeholders, and partners united in advancing the cause of journalism and good governance.
The awards also reflect ongoing efforts to celebrate individuals whose contributions uphold the ideals of responsible leadership, saying it is an important part of encouraging continued service within journalism circles and public governance environments affecting media operations.
The Union extended its congratulations to all awardees, stating that it looks forward to celebrating their achievements during the 2025 Press Week, reiterating that the upcoming event will bring together media professionals and partners united in advancing the cause of journalism and good governance.
