Date: 2014-06-08

The Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) University of Ilorin Chapter staged her maiden edition of Press Week Public lecture/award ceremony, titled: ROLE OF JOURNALISM IN NATION BUILDING AND CRISES RESOLUTION IN NIGERIA, in honour of Dr. Ogah Emmanuel Edeoja, the executive Director of cymmy Associates.

It was a gathering of intellectuals giving the caliber of attendees, who not only are personality of high repute; but also are journalists who have distinguished themselves in their various chosen careers.In attendance were Mr. E. D. Obafemi, the registrar of the institution; Professor Bayo Lawal, the deputy vice chancellor, and host of other important personalities.

The all-inclusive eventfeatured the presentation of awards to the big fishes of the literary community. The Awardees: Dr. OgahEmmanuel Edeoja, Professor Bayo Lawal; the Deputy Vice Chancellor academics of Unilorin, Mr. Abdulkareem Abiodun; chairman Nigerian Union of Journalist, Kwara state chapter, and Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji; the director of center for peace and strategic studies.

In his keynote address, Guest Speaker Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, who also doubles as Patron and Staff Adviser of the Union pointed out thus: "The problem facing Nigeria is Nation Building, traceable to ineffective communication, the end result which is conflict and crises breakdown","Journalism is the oxygen of Democracy, Journalists are to right the wrongs of the society" he added.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to members who have distinguished themselves in the union. The awardees included Wale Bakare; media personalty of the year, Ali Toyin Abdul; writer of the year and HameedMurtala; journalists of the years who are all reporters for national dailies. The other two awardees are Sanni Zainab; Most supportive member of the year, and AlaoIdris; Best executive member of the year.

While delivering his goodwill message, Professor Bayo Lawal thanked God for the success of the day; he extolled the honoree for his leadership example in giving back to the society out of what the University has given him.

Giving his honoreeremark, Dr. Ogah E. Edeoja advised the youths to be agents of social change. "To be a leader, you must be properly educated; you must maximize your potentials by widening your scope beyond the academic line, so that you can fit proper into the new world of entrepreneurship," he said.

Also speaking at the lecture, the Registrar Mr. E.D Obafemi added: "You have come into the profession because it is a good one; writers right the wrongs in the society, so keep the flag flying, don't be too over sentimental,surely, the sky is your starting point".Odeyemi Afis Olawale is a 200level History Education Student, University of Ilorin.