By Seyifunmi Odunuga
IBADAN – It was a glamorous event as reputable individuals in the media and entertainment industry converged at the Press Centre, Oyo State NUJ Council as StarTrend Int’l Magazine honoured the heavy and mighty people in the entertainment and media Industry.
The second edition of the presentation of StarTrend Gold Award of Excellence in commemoration of StarTrend Int’l magazine’s 10th Anniversary, took place on Sunday December 12, 2021 at the Press Centre, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Iyaganku, Ibadan in Oyo State.
According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, StarTrend Int’l Magazine and online www.startrendinternational.com, AbuSatar Idowu Hamed, the event which initially took place on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos was aimed to appreciate some distinguished personnel who have contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and Youth Empowerment, especially in their various professions.
AbuSatar stated that he decided to hold the second edition of the event in Ibadan, a place where he cuts his teeth in the journalism profession because some of the awardees from Oyo State couldn’t make it to the venue of the event in Lagos as a result of the ‘crazy’ traffic logjam that occurred on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on the day of the event.
Elhadj AbuSatar Idowu Hamed thanked the Almighty God who made the occasion possible, and he also thanked everyone who made it to the event to felicitate with him.
He stated further, “today marks another happiest day in my life for the opportunity given to me by the Almighty God to celebrate a milestone in my life – 10th anniversary of my baby – StarTrend Int’l Magazine.
“My initial idea of the establishment of the paper was to promote my root – Ilaro-Yewa, headquarters of Ogun West, but after some editions, reactions from our esteemed readers across the country and overseas was that we should let the contents of the magazine spread across and beyond the country. Of which we did.
“I’m highly indebted to you all for the moral and financial supports you have accorded StarTrend Int’l Magazine over the years.
“Once again, I thank you all for sparing time to celebrate with me. God in His infinite mercies will celebrate you all till eternity.”
In his speech at the event, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Comrade Demola Babalola who was also an awardee, thanked and
appreciated the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Startrend Int’l Magazine for organising such event simultaneously in Lagos and Ibadan, and charged him not to relent on the promotion of Journalism profession and appreciating service to humanity.
The Oyo NUJ boss who received an award for his immense contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, especially in the media industry expressed his gratitude to Elhadj AbuSatar Hamed for the honour and boosting his moral towards doing more in the service to humanity.
Others who spoke gloriously at the event described StarTrend Publisher as a kind-hearted, God-fearing and he’s a social-mixer among the young and old people.
They prayed that God continued to bless, guide and protect AbuSatar Hamed and his households.
Other awardees at the event include the ace broadcaster and Chairman, Yes FM, Mr. Yemi Sonde who also bagged an honour for his contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, especially in the media industry, and of course youth empowerment.
The CEO, Apreel 1 Events Management and Publisher, Apreel 1 Magazine, Seyifunmi Odunuga, fondly called SeyiChicago also bagged an honour for his contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, especially in the media industry, and of course youth empowerment.
Also, the Canada-based gospel artiste, Evangelist Esther Ojooba bagged Outstanding Gospel Music Achiever Award of the Year 2021.
Others are Rev. Apostolic-Mother Abigail Oluremi Yiolokun, Mr. Muyiwa Apara, Engr. Bode Benson Enikuemehin, Alhaji Iyanda Sawaba and Chief Lere Paimo (Eda Onile Ola).
The event was graced by creme of the society which include executive members of the Oyo State NUJ, Dr. Ayo Elebute, Engr. Segun Azeez, Engr Kunle Badmus, Prophet Omotoso Olawale Joseph, Engr. Yomi Dowole, Uncle Toye Ajagun, Mr. Bode Lawal, Pastor Femi Yiolokun and Mr. Taiwo Adebowale among others.
The vote of thanks was given by Engr. Yomi Dowole who commended Elhadj AbuSatar Idowu Hamed for his initiative to organize the event.
He also thanked everyone who made it to the event and prayed for journey mercies back to their various destinations.