September 03, (THEWILL) – A Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has described journalism as a noble profession, saying media practitioners have contributed immensely to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria.
Ajadi said media practitioners deserve accolades for their sacrifice and unquantifiable contribution that led to the growth and development of democracy that the country is currently enjoying.
He said it is the role the media practitioners played in nation-building that has endeared him to the journalism profession and its development in the country.
Ajadi said this while speaking at the traditional wedding of the daughter of Mr Michael Osuji, Head of the Mass Communication Department, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos, which took place in Mowo, Badagry, on Saturday.
The ceremony solemnised the union of Ezinne Osuji, and her heartthrob, Mr. Bright Izu.
Speaking at the event, Ajadi, who was accompanied to the ceremony by his political associates, said the father of the bride, Mr. Osuji, is an amiable lecturer, disclosing that he guided him through his academic difficulties while he was a student at the (NIJ).
He said the NIJ is reputed to have produced great journalists in the country, describing the guiding role of the lecturers of the institute as encouraging.
“NIJ is a school where students and lecturers are seen as one family, where everyone wishes one another well. That is why we are here today to celebrate the joyous day of the daughter of our father, Mr. Mike Osuji,” Ajadi said.
He wished the couple a happy marital life, saying that Mr Osuji has contributed towards the growth of the journalism profession in Nigeria and urged Nigerians to appreciate the enormous contribution of media practitioners in the country.
Present at the occasion were the management and Staff of the NIJ, including the Deputy Provost, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe; the Registrar, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo; the HOD, General Studies, Dr. Adeboye Ola; Chief Lecturer and Director of Special Programmes, Dr. Jide Johnson; and Mr Cami Ezenwa, who is also Ajadi’s Director of Media; the Students Affairs Officer, Mrs Aime Umoren, Mr Akin Ojo and Pastor Jack Amaso.
Others in attendance were Esther Eke, the ICT Coordinator and a lecturer; Miss. Josephine Okocha, Mr. Femi Osuntoki, and Mrs Christiana Okoh.
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
