NUJ, Warri Hosts Veteran Journalist, Asiwaju in grandstyle

Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents' Chapel has hosted a Veteran Journalist and Philanthropist Comrade Asiwaju. The programme which took place on Tuesday at Peb Global Hotel Jeddo Delta State, witnessed the presence of  the chapel members and  NUJ  State Council.

Speaking at the programme, the  Veteran Journalist and Philanthropist, Comrade Asiwaju Adebayo  urged members of   Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Warri Correspondents' Chapel to be united and love one another as it is the  panacea for speedy growth in the profession.

According to him, they should always have plan 'B' while practising the profession as the collection of stipend for news coverage will not be enough to solve their basic challenges but involved  in  contract of possible supply to have good money.

Comrade Adebayo said it is this approach of not collecting stipend which he had in mind in the practising the profession on his arrival to  Warri that really helped him to grow financially.

His words:" l came to Warri with different approach to Journalism not that l am better than every one. If l write a story for you and you offer money,  l will say 'no', leave this money, can't l do supply in your company? The person would say, as a Journalist, what are you  doing with a supply? Eventually, l would do the supply. This is how l was able to supply in NBTC and others in Warri."

Comrade Adebayo who joy was written on his face said,he wondered what good he has actually done for members of the Union that warranted the hosting. He however thanked the Union for according  him this regard.  He said members should shun the act of backbiting, hatred but work together to achieve common goals of progress. He said any member who has contact with any personality in the society should exploit to the advantage  to the benefits of  all instead of  envying one another. His words: "If you have contact of the Police, Army, Navy even the State Governor, use it for the betterment of all instead of envying the person  that, he is collecting money"

Comrade Adebayo who was flanked by his entourage among whom are his wife, son and friends,  said,  he would always identify with the Union in all ramifications because it is the spring board that has  catapulted him to  the life he lives  today. According to him, he would use his contact to institute welfare scheme for Warri Correspondents' Chapel to enable challenges of members to be solved just as he said plans are under way to secure a permanent Press Centre for the Union in good area in Warri.

The wife, Mrs Asiwaju Adebayo expressed gratitude for the honour done the husband. She  said members of the Union should  always cooperate to achieve common goals of progress in life  just as she charged members to believe in God in whatever  they do  to have  His  blessings.

In his welcoming address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists Warri Correspondents' Chapel, Comrade Victor Okpomor expressed gratitude over what Comrade Asiwaju has done for advancing Journalism professesion in Warri, Delta in particular and Nigeria at large.

According to him,  Comrade  Asiwaju  has  helped  members of Warri Correspondents' Chapel in one or the other. His words:"it  is a  day set aside to honour our own - a veteran Journalist and Philanthropist, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo. He has done immeasurably in advancing our noble profession Journalism - not only in Warri, Delta but across the country...it is on record that he has always lend helping hands psychologically, physically,. financially, morally and otherwise to our members and chapel as a group..."
Comrade Okpomor therefore  prayed  God to bless him  with good health and  provide for him to enable him  do more for the people. He said:" l pray God to continue to bless you beyond your expectations to successfully drive this scheme that you have initiated"

In their responses members  of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents' Chapel among whom are Comrades  Joe Ogbodu,  Gbenga Ahmed, Elders  Emmanuel Ogoigbe,  Ogunyemi Dele, the NUJ State Council's  Chairman, Comrade Churhill Oyowe, the Vice, Comrade Felix Ekwu, the Secretary, Comrade Victor Soroku,the immediate past NUJ State Council  Chairman,  Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and others, thanked Comrade Asiwaju Adebayo for his good work so far for the Union and urged him to continue to do  more just as they prayed God to protect and replenish his pockets

The highlight of the event is the presentation of award of recognition and a frame of his picture amid cheers.