2024 PressWeek: Chief Egungbohun charges journalists on verifiable reportage

The renowned business magnate and community leader, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun has implored media professionals to always ensure that their reports are evidence-based.

Chief Egungbohun stated this while receiving the honour bestowed on him during the 2024 Press Week of the NUJ Osun State Council held at the Council’s Press Centre, Osogbo, Osun State.

The Philanthropist of Class who was represented by Chief Akeem Okebunmi (Otun Akeweje of Ilaro) He acknowledged the indispensable statutory role of journalists in nation building, adding that investigative journalism remains the bedrock of every functional democracy.

“I am aware that without adequate provision for free press and freedom of speech, no nation can have a thriving society, however, every report, especially, that that has to do with name calling must be absolutely evidence-based.

“As a longtime friend of journalists in Nigeria and around the globe, I will continue to support the media in my little capacity in the ultimate bid to ensure a progressive Nigeria.

“I congratulate the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, his executive members and all journalists in Osun State Council on this year Press Week, as I assuring you that this Award can only motivate me to put more efforts in the business of advocating peace and border sanity.

Earlier, the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu in his opening remarks has enumerated the background and criteria for the Honour, saying that Chief Egungbohun being one of the seven shortlisted Honourees have been subjected to rigorous and diligent investigations.

He said “The NUJ will not commit the blunder of giving recognitions to anybody who does not distinctively pass the test of integrity and patriotism. The Screening Committee submitted that Chief Dende Egungbohun had carved a niche for himself in the several interventions aimed at entrenching sanity in the border areas around the axis.

“By our experience and findings, we found Chief Egungbohun, alias IBD Dende to be an harbinger of culture and the rich tradition of his people with rare sense of patriotism who does his legitimate business as a Border Community Stakeholder and Licensed Freight Clearing and Forwarder with utmost integrity

“Chief Egungbohun by our discreet investigation had worked closely with the highest echelon of Nigerian Customs and the Presidency to entrench sanity at the border areas of Ogun State and in the battle against smuggling and other nefarious activities at the border.

“As a revered Community Leader, the proud title holder of Olu-Omo of Yewaland remains a rallying point for his people for economic empowerment and youth engagement towards peaceful co-existence and harmony in Yewaland. A practical example was his appointment into a 20-member Peace-Building Committee on Herder-Farmer Conflicts by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, to find a lasting solution to the incessant clashes between farmers and marauding herders in the agrarian communities of Yewaland.

“Hence, it’s our honour at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council to decorate the man of Integrity and Patriotism, Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, the Olu-Omo of Yewaland as an Advocate of Peace and Border Sanity”, the Chairman stated.

Other awardees were Dr Adeleke Adeniyi Morenikeji (an accomplished finance manager and consumer banker), Dr Comrade Ogungbangbe Nathaniel Kehinde (NULGE President, Osun State), Honourable Adedipo Sunday Eluwole (Commissioner for Education, Osun State), General Bashir Adewinbi (Former Cmd, Osun State Amotekun Corps), Bishop Felix Owolabi (Presiding Bishop of Faithtriumph Ministries Int’l), CSP Folashade Odoro (Osun State Police Command).

The Council also offered Professional Awards to its exceptional members; Best Information Officer of the Year, Best Investigative Reporter of the Year, Best Newscaster (Radio) of the Year, Best Newscaster (TV) of the Year, Best Reporter (Print) of the Year, Best Reporter (Electronic) of the Year, Best Broadcast Station of the Year, and the Chairman’s Award.

Distinguished guests at the event were His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Hon Kolapo Alimi, the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama (CON), Prof Clement Adegboye, Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Osogbo (Chairman of the Day), Deputy President, NUJ B Zone, Princess Ronke Samo, NUJ South West Chairmen and Secretaries.