Prominent media practitioners in Ondo State were honoured with various awards during the Press Week of the National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMACOS), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), in recognition of their contributions to journalism, media development, public service and support for academic growth.
The event, themed “One Story, Four Lenses: How Broadcasting, Advertising, Public Relations and Print Media Frame the Same Event,” featured a public lecture and presentation of awards to distinguished personalities in the media industry.
Among the award recipients were the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Leke Adegbite, who received the Distinguished Media Leadership Award; media personality Tosin Ajuwon, was honoured with the Media Personality Award; TVC Correspondent, Ayodeji Moradeyo, received the Distinguished Media Personality Award; and veteran broadcaster Bolu-Olu Esho, was presented with the Distinguished Outstanding Service Award.
Speaking while receiving his award, Adegbite expressed appreciation to the department and the students’ association for recognising his leadership contributions to the journalism profession.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this Leadership Award today. I accept this recognition with gratitude and humility, not just on my behalf, but on behalf of every journalist and media professional who works tirelessly to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and professionalism,” he said.
The NUJ chairman noted that leadership is a collective responsibility, attributing the successes recorded during his tenure to the support of union members, executive council members, past leaders and partners.
According to him, the award would serve as motivation to continue promoting professionalism, accountability and ethical journalism.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Esho examined the relationship among broadcasting, advertising, public relations and print media, describing them as interconnected sectors that depend on one another for survival and effectiveness.
“Broadcasting and print media, like a delivery man, usually, though not always, distance themselves from contents created by PR and Advertising by tagging PR materials in broadcasting as ‘Sponsored’ and quoting the author in print media,” he said.
He stressed that public relations and advertising rely heavily on conventional media platforms to disseminate their messages.
“I will succinctly say that PR and Advertising ride on the wings of Broadcasting and Print media to achieve their desires, but they are the lifelines on which Broadcasting and Print survive. In other words, they are indispensable to one another,” Esho added.
He further explained that while advertising pays directly for airtime, slots and newspaper pages, public relations often seeks publicity through relationship-building and strategic engagements.
In his goodwill message, Ajuwon, represented by the Vice Chairman of the NUJ in Ondo State, Ayodeji Alabi, commended the association for finding him worthy of recognition and pledged continued support for media and educational development.
Similarly, Moradeyo appreciated the organisers for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at mentoring and empowering young media professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the association, NAMACOS President Muhammed Hammed said the awards were instituted to celebrate individuals whose contributions have positively impacted students, the media industry and society at large.
“We really appreciate our awardees for their consistent support to academia, the media world and public services. The award was given to appreciate their commitment and support in making students feel seen and heard. Our awardees are embodiments of greatness and kindness,” Hammed said.
The event attracted students, academics, journalists and media stakeholders who gathered to discuss the evolving dynamics of communication and celebrate excellence in the profession.