The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, has expressed deep gratitude to the Oyo State Ministry of Information for laying the foundation of her professional growth, describing the Ministry as the cornerstone of her successful career in the state civil service.
Mrs. Oni made this heartfelt remark at the Western Hall, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, during the 2025 Press Week celebration and Honorary Award/Certificate Presentation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel.
Reflecting on her early career, the Head of Service recalled that her first-ever professional award came through the Ministry of Information, which she credited for recognizing and nurturing her potential.
“My first award was given to me by the Ministry of Information,” she said. “I was recommended by the Ministry to the NUJ, and the award was presented to me. I will forever be grateful to the Ministry of Information for being my foundation and source of growth.”
She commended the Ministry and the NUJ Information Chapel for their continuous commitment to professionalism, adding that their work remains vital to effective governance and communication in Oyo State.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Chief Host and Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, reflected on the evolution and future of journalism in Nigeria.
He recounted his experience chairing the League of Veteran Journalists’ Veteran Day celebration at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, where discussions centered on the “secondhand value of journalism” the challenges and opportunities journalists face in their later years.
While acknowledging the difficult realities of old age in the profession, Oyelade noted that there remains much to celebrate.
He urged veteran journalists to document their rich experiences from the 1960s to 1980s into a book to be launched at next year’s event.
To support the initiative, he presented a cheque of ₦1 million to the Chairman of the League of Veteran Journalists, fulfilling his earlier pledge.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Day, Chief Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA, represented by Chief Operating Officer Solutions FM, Mrs. Funmi Chima commended the Information Chapel for its role in promoting Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration and effectively disseminating accurate and timely information about government activities.
The guest lecturer, Mogaji Soladoye Adewole, in his presentation titled “The Future of Media Professionals in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” compared the modern concept of AI with traditional African “Sigidi” figures ancient clay or wooden creations believed to perform human-like tasks.
He emphasized that while AI enhances efficiency, it can never replace the emotional intelligence and creativity that define true journalism.
The Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, who received the Inclusive Award, expressed gratitude to journalists for amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities. “Without your support, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comrade Fasasi Ismail, described the 2025 Press Week as a period for reflection and renewal.
He reaffirmed the Chapel’s commitment to members’ welfare, professional ethics, and continuous training, while urging journalists to uphold truth and integrity in the face of digital disruption.
Several individuals were honored at the event for their exceptional contributions to the growth of journalism and public communication in Oyo State. Among the awardees were Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), Executive Director Director Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye and Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Comrade Demola Babalola among others.
