…….Glitz as Trace Magazine celebrates 10th Anniversary, honours Aketi, others.
By: Ade Adeleke
It was a colourful night of celebrating media achievement and individuals’ excellence on Sunday when the Publisher and staff of an Ondo State based media outfit rolled out drums to celebrate 10th anniversary of Trace News Magazine.
During the event that was well-attended in Akure, the state capital, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, bagged the Trace News Magazine ‘Man Of The Decade Award’ while outstanding staff and some other prominent Nigerians were also honoured at the ceremony.
Other Trace award recipients are; the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo; Snr Pastor, Agape Christian Ministries, Rev(Mrs)Funke Felix-Adejumo, Snr. Legislative Aide to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs Seun Osamaye, Fmr. Commissioner for Works, Ondo State, Engr Gboye Adegbenro; Ace Broadcaster, Mr Adeolu Gboyega (COO, Crest 87.7fm, Akure), Barr Austin Oyinlade, Rt Hon Femi Bamisile (House of Reps member from Ekiti state); Mr Alaba Lawrence and Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu.
In a lecture, a don from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof Lanre Olu-Adeyemi advocated the adoption of the reports of the 2014 National Confab and that of the APC Restructuring Committee headed by Governor Nasir el-rufai, to prevent for agitations from different parts of the country.
The Publisher of Trace News Magazine, Prince Ebenezer
Adeniyan, said the magazine had overcome many challenges to remain on the newsstands in the last ten years.
According to him, “in recognition of the Governor’s leadership qualities, political accomplishments, remarkable developmental achievements as Governor of Ondo State and courageous commitment towards making Nigeria a better Nation in the last ten years.
“We celebrate a man of honesty, bravery and patriotism,” Adeniyan said.
He said he had mapped out new strategies to sustain the media outfit as first to reckon with.
Addressing the gathering, the governor commended the Publisher of the Magazine, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan for his steadfastness in taking the media outfit to the higher level.
Akeredolu who turned to the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the event, said media organisations and all journalists in Nigeria must be more bold and resolute to set agenda for National discourse at this critical time.
The governor added that the people of the country only believe in the press, and the media should use that to rescue the nation through their reportage.
He called on journalists as members of the Fourth Estate of the realm to brace up for the herculean task ahead in view of the current realities in the nation from the economy to socio-political as well as security.
Akeredolu stressed the need for a collective engagement of all stakeholders, particularly the media, in order to uphold the truth and positive values that are essential for nation building.
“The Press holds the high responsibility of setting agenda for the nation through robust professionalism without fanning the embers of discord and disunity in the polity.
“It is important for the Fourth Estate to remain a Fourth Estate indeed; a fearless and credible watchdog that must abhor sensationalism and yellow journalism.
“No matter the economic and environmental challenges, the Journalist must remain unbending and unyielding in his crusade for a sane society. All of these require strict adherence to ethical standards for which the truth remains sacred while comments must be identified in its true state as opinion,” Governor Akeredolu said.
Also speaking, at the occasion, the Minister of State for Niger-delta affairs, Senator Tayo Alasoadura who chaired the Trace Magazine anniversary ceremony, called on youths to emulate the skills and entrepreneurship ability of Adeniyan in setting up and keeping the media outfit strong for ten years.
The ceremony which featured professional and individuals awards to distinguished Nigerians, was attended by the state Deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; some top government functionaries; the Queen of Ile-Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi and the NUJ Executives led by the Chairman, Adetona Aderoboye.
Other dignitaries are; the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; the State Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo; Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Olusola Oke as well as four members of the State House of Assembly.