Rotary International Nigeria District 9125 has done it again! This time, they have deemed it fit to honour professional journalists across Nigeria, particularly the ones who have over the years, stayed committed to reporting social development activities; promoting charity and humanitarian causes at various levels in our society.
These Awards were distributed to the winners for each of the Five Categories for the 2016 Humanitarian Reporting Awards namely; Television, Radio, Newspapers/Magazine and Online Media in a charity cocktail in Abuja yesterday. Popular development blogger and investigative journalist, Dotun Roy, was among the nominees for this year Awards.
The Awards Nite/Charity Cocktail which was tagged “Unveiling of My Dream Nigeria” Book had official launching of the book with colourful side attractions such as Laff 4 Charity and Valedictory Recognition for the veterans.
According to Mike Omotosho, Rotary International Nigeria Governor District 9125, in his opening remarks described Journalists as the watchdogs of the society, applauding journalism as one of the noble professions of the world.
“Over the years, Rotary Nigeria have realised that without reliable channels for consistent dissemination of information, we would all be kept in dark, therefore Rotary Club District 9125 has considered it as point of duty and as a way to give back and celebrate these great journalists, not only those who have reported, carried our stories or project our image through our contributions to development but to also encourage the ones who have demonstrated outstanding humanitarian spirit/courage through their excellent reportage as well as in the cause of their duties” he alluded.
Omotosho, an advocate of “The 4 Way Test” who became Governor of Rotary Nigeria in 2015, recounted the successes recorded since he assumed office, few of which are End Polio Now 2015 projects, planting of more Rotary Clubs across the major cities in Nigeria and donation to ensure quality education and the re-enrollment out of school children in Nigeria among others.
He further urged the Rotarians to always consider “The 4 way Test” as their hallmark, which often projects four fundamental Questions: Is it the Truth?; Is it Fair to all Concerned? ; Will it build Good Will and Better Friendship?
Top Rotarian, Engr Agbonifo-Obaseki, Head of the organising committee for this year Awards said the Awards were conferred on the basis of evaluation by the Humanitarian Reporting Award Jury. “We considered the bravery of the reporters and the risk involved in each story and report forwarded for entry”.
Below are photos at the event:
