By: Press Council

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State chapter, in celebration of world press freedom day, hosted its 30th edition with the theme “World Press Freedom Day, “Freedom of Expression; A driver for all other human rights”.
The event, which took place on the 4th of May, 2023, at the NUJ press center in iyaganku Ibadan, Oyo state, was hosted by Comrade Ronke Samo, NUJ VP, for zone B, with Chief Chris isiguzo, NUJ National President, as the Chief host.
The program commenced at exactly 11:00am and had Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, the General Secretary, NUJ, Ekiti Council as the Master Of Ceremony, who anchored the recitation of the national anthem and the Oyo State anthem as well. Mr Abdulrasaq Alege Zonal Secretary, NUN zone B took a turn to take the opening prayer and afterwards, important dignitaries and personalities in attendance were introduced and recognized. Mr Kayode Babatuyi, Secretary, NUJ, Ekiti State did justice to the recognition of the Press Council, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, led by the Chairman, Comr. Adetunji Joshua with members of his team. He also recognized the presence of the Chairman, NUJ Ogun State Council, Comr. Akinwale Olarewaju.The progression of the programme commenced with the welcome address by the Vice President, Zone B, Comrade Ronke Samo, who was unavoidably absent due to an impromptu illness.
The Chairman NUJ, Oyo state Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola, gave the welcome address in the absence of the Vice President, while stressing the good works and immense contribution of senator Kola Balogun to the NUJ Oyo state council and afterwards, the guest lecturer was honoured to the stage for his speech which centers on the “Freedom of Expression; A driver for all other human right.

IIn his words, Senator Kola Balogun stated that “freedom of the press is not a right you expect people to come and give you in your bedroom, it is fought for” He further stressed the need for a democratic society free of cohesion. At the end of the lecture, the guest lecturer, the distinguished Senator Dr Kola Balogun, was decorated with the Internationally recognised year 2023 UNESCO Guillermo Cano Award.

Afterwards, he gave his vote of thanks by dedicating his award to God while giving accolades to His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr. Sen. Mohood Olalekan Balogun , Alli Okunmade ii,olubadan of Ibadan land for his good works in the land.
The event had in attendance, the distinguished Senator Kola Balogun, Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District as the guest lecturer, Chairman, NUJ Ogun State Council, Comr. Akinwale Olarewaju, The Chairman, NUJ, Oyo Council, Comr. Ademola Babalola, NUJ Zonal Secretary, NUJ zone B Comr. Abdulrasaq Alege, NUJ, National Trustee, Zone B Comr. Adebayo Akamo and other dignitories, which include, Oba Francis Olusola Alao(Akinbola) the paramount ruler, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, Ogbomoso zone, Vice Chairman, Council of Obas and Chiefs Oyo state who was represented by two eminent rulers as the royal father of the day, Otun Balogun of Ibadan land High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola who came to represent His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr. Sen. Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ii, Olubadan of Ibadan land.