Gov Oyebanji Inaugurated as Grand Patron League of Veteran Journalists in Ekiti

By Joseph Sunday

The League of Veteran Journalists, Ekiti State Chapter, has inaugurated Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its Grand Patron in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state.

The inauguration was held on Saturday during the League’s maiden investiture ceremony at AB Hotels, Olora Layout, Ado-Ekiti, with the theme: “Celebrating Service, Journalism and Legacy.”

Other eminent personalities inaugurated as Patrons include the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Clement Adeyeye; former Senator representing Ekiti Central, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Stephen Babatunde Alabi; the Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, Oba Moses Ogundana; and the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado.

Governor Oyebanji was represented at the event by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oyebode said the Oyebanji administration’s huge investment in security, peace-building and effective partnership with the media has positioned Ekiti as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

He described the Governor as a peacemaker and bridge-builder who has prioritised the security of lives and property and created an enabling environment for all residents to thrive.

Oyebode commended journalists in the state for their professionalism and responsible reportage, noting that the synergy between government and the media has been critical to sustaining peace and projecting the administration’s development strides.

“We have a working Governor who is building bridges and making huge investments in security and the safety of lives. We also have responsible and highly professional media practitioners in the state. It is a combination of these factors,” he said.

He added that the awards and recognitions being received by the administration are testaments to positive developments in the state, effectively communicated through responsible journalism.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the League, Prince Kayode Oni, said the League was formed to bring together men and women whose careers were shaped by journalism and communication.

According to him, members belong to a generation that sees journalism as a public trust and remains committed to professionalism, service and responsible communication.

Oni explained that the patrons’ initiative was conceived to strengthen the League and widen the circle of eminent personalities committed to its ideals.

“Our vision is to make the League a centre of experience, professional fellowship and intergenerational learning, where issues of media governance, development and public communication can be discussed,” he said.

In his remarks, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, represented by Mr Ademola Obanise, thanked the League for the honour and reiterated his commitment to public service.

Obanise said Adaramodu, who is the spokesman of the 10th Senate, deeply values the contributions of veteran journalists who shaped his professional journey.

Also speaking, the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Stephen Alabi, expressed gratitude for the honour and appreciated all who supported him in his journalism career. He commended Governor Oyebanji for his developmental efforts, describing him as a “jinx breaker” whose interventions are visible across various sectors.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Chairman, Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation, Prince Kayode Fasua; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi; traditional rulers, veteran journalists and other stakeholders.