<strong><em>Olatutu Oladunni (left) receiving her awards from the Chairman SONA Group of Industries A.K Mirchandani</em></strong>
Having celebrated the resounding victory of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where Nigerian athletes broke records and set another new record, and amid this euphoria moment, the Lagos State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is celebrating some of its members again as the Secretary of Caretaker Executive Committee, Olatutu Oladunni recently clinched another Prestigious National Award of Excellence alongside the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Phemmy Adetula honoured as the Sports Personality of the Year.
Olatutu Oladunni, who was one of the awardees, expressed her utmost happiness while receiving the Award of Excellence from the Chairman SONA Group of Industries, Mr A.K Mirchandani, the Accord Party presidential candidate, Professor Christopher Imumolen, said it is a rare privilege and a great opportunity to be a recipient of the award which simply inspires her to do more without relenting irrespective of the obstruction.
Olatutu Oladunni, who was earlier honoured by the Sports Centre, Lagos on 27 August in Ikeja, described the event as a memorable day for all practitioners in the media industry across the nation as top-notch personalities in security agencies, dignitaries in various professional spheres, private personalities and reputable industrialist across the nation gathered to grace the 2022 edition of the National Media Community Award in Lagos.
She commended the effort and courage of all members of the press despite the difficult terrain, even as she encouraged them to continue to give their best without prejudice. She added that there is always a compensation time for every hard work, enthusiasm and diligence.
<strong><em>Chairman Elders Forum of Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Chapel, Gbenga Fatile (left) congratulating Olatutu Oladunni after receiving her award</em></strong>
Oladunni thanked God Almighty for His unfailing love and support, just as she dedicated the award to God Almighty the creator and to every hardworking journalist in Nigeria. She noted that there is always hope of breakthrough and victory for those who are not relenting and giving up.
To NOC Public Relations Officer, Phemmy Adetula who was represented by Olatutu Oladunni, he was highly delighted to receive such a Prestigious Award, especially at this moment Nigeria is celebrating the success and victory of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the National Honours awarded to the athletes recently by the Number One citizen of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Adetula noted that there is a future in sports and journalism in Nigeria if all practitioners don’t relent.
The event which was held recently at the Lateef Jakande Hall of the National Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos had many notable figures who are recipients of various awards.
The 2022 edition of the Prestigious National Media Community Award, which also marked the 3rd edition, has the theme: Security Agencies and Media Synergy ahead 2023 Election, Lagos Stat in Focus
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner Of Police Lagos State, Abiodun Alabi, who was also the keynote speaker, were represented by the Lagos State Command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Benjamin Hundeyin.
The Commissioner of Police, while addressing the audience via the PPRO, said security is the key to the progress and success of any nation.
CP Alabi emphasised that security must not be compromised at any cost. He highlighted the major areas to enhance security strategies and how better synergy can be initiated to perfect security upgrades in Lagos State and across the nation.
Chairman of the event who is also the Accord Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Prof Christopher Imumolen commended the security agencies for their resilience and the roles they continue to play despite the difficult situation the country is facing regarding security.
Legendary industrialist, the Chairman of SONA Group of Industries, A.K Mirchandani, who heads over eight Industries in Nigeria, commended the beautiful role the media play in the nation and the support the media have been given security agencies is in no doubt yielding brilliant results.
Mirchandani charged members of the press not to give up but to persist as they will also continue to render their support in the best way they can.
He commended the Lagos State Governor and the organisers of the event, the CEO of Daily Pride Communications Joshua Uloko and the Executive Director of Media Community Network and publisher of The Pride Newspaper and City Pride magazine for the beautiful innovation and brilliant performance over the years.
Chairman Elders Forum of Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Chapel, Gbenga Fatile commended Olatutu Oladunni alongside NOC public Relations Officer Phemmy Adetula.
<em><strong>Olatutu Oladunni (right) displaying the awards she won and that of Phemmy Adetula, PRO of NOC</strong></em>
Fatile, a senior director of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), said the ability to explore onesies innate versatility makes one dynamic in style as a professional.
He congratulated Oladunni even as he charged her to continue to do more. “This award is simply the beginning of a new era to your success,” he said.
He appreciated every awardee and the organisers of the event, adding that the future of media shall be promising and great.
Recipients of the Awards of Excellence are the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, Chairman SONA Group of Industries A.K Mirchandani, MFM General Overseer Dr Daniel Olukoya, Accord Party presidential candidate Professor Imumolen, Commandant Eweka Okoro of NSCDC, FRSC Sector Commander Lagos State, Ashok Manghani of SONA Group, Dr Kehinde Samuel Wojuade, Chinelu Okereke Executive Director Lancaster Brand, Head of News and Senior Editor, AIT, National President National Association of Online Security Reporters, Nigeria Police Forced Zone 2 Lagos Investigation Team and others