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BY ABUSATAR HAMED
LAGOS – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has bestowed on Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), a prestigious Award Of Excellence from journalists in Lagos State.
The award recognizes the conglomerate’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and its dedication to job creation and critical infrastructure provision.
The journalists commended Dangote Group for its robust employment generation initiatives, which have led to the gainful employment of numerous young individuals. They also acknowledged the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure projects.
The award presentation took place at the Gala/Awards Nite event marking the conclusion of the 2023 Press Week, where various corporate organizations and individuals were recognized for their societal contributions.
Dangote Group’s accolade from the NUJ followed closely on the heels of the conglomerate being named Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand for the sixth consecutive year by TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA. This recognition reaffirms Dangote Group’s position as a leading player in the Nigerian business landscape.
Dangote Cement Plc, a subsidiary of DIL, was specifically lauded for its pivotal role in promoting backward integration in the cement and sugar industries.
The company’s continuous expansion efforts, both domestically and internationally, have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in these sectors, resulting in substantial job opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of NUJ, highlighted the Gala Nite as an occasion to reflect on the council’s achievements and celebrate excellence.
He emphasized milestones such as the completion of a new council secretariat complex, journalist training programmes, and the allocation of land to subscribers for the council estate project in Ogun state.
Mr. Ajayi also disclosed that the council was in the final stages of establishing a community radio station, pending the issuance of a radio license by the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), saying, “the NUJ renamed the NUJ Light House in Victoria Island to Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) House in honour of a founding father of Nigerian journalism and former Lagos State Governor who recently passed away.”
In her address at the event, Her Majesty Olori Janet Afolabi, an accomplished award-winning journalist and the Queen of Apomu-land, commended the council for its achievements and urged continued dedication to journalistic ethics.
She stressed the importance of grassroots reporting to shed light on the struggles faced by ordinary people and to elicit positive responses from relevant authorities.
In the organization category, Dangote Group, Airtel Networks Nigeria Limited, and Nigerian Breweries Plc received awards, while individuals honoured included Senator Mukhail Abiru, Adewale Adedeji, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, and Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim.
Mr. Francis Awowole-Browne, representing Corporate Organization award recipients, expressed gratitude for the honour and affirmed the commitment of corporate bodies to contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He regarded the award as a call for enhanced collaboration with journalists in building a stronger Nigeria.
The event witnessed the presence of NUJ South West leaders, including Mrs. Ronke Samo, Vice President, B Zone, as well as dignitaries from various sectors, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
