A renowned journalist and chief executive officer (CEO), Lawal Iyanda Farms Limited, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, has floated a Welfare Endowment Fund for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents Chapel, Delta chapter.
Speaking on Tuesday evening at the presentation ceremony, Adebayo called on practicing journalists to make friends in the course of their practice and sustain the relationships.
He advised journalists to be dedicated and always uphold the tenets of the profession.
“As journalists, keep your friends. Journalism is a tool that makes you come in contact with people, therefore, make friends and sustain the relationship.
“Develop core friendship and don’t sacrifice the ultimate for the immediate. I appeal to all of you to be responsible,” he said.
The renowned journalist recalled that the target for the project which commenced on Oct.1, 2024 was N10 million, he, however, expressed joy that the process was able to hit N25 million.
“I want to sincerely appreciate my friends especially, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi. When we started this process, the target was N10 million. I was planning to extend it, but was advised. I thank the High Chief Ereyitomi and others,” he said.
Presenting the dummy cheque of N25 million on behalf of Mr Adebayo, Ereyitomi, member representing Warri federal constituency in the House of Representative called on the public and good spirited individuals to imbibe the culture of giving and assisting one another and groups.
Also speaking, Hon. Ben Eteanabene, member representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie federal constituency said that the project has not ended but a work in progress.
Hon. Donald Ojogo, the member representing Ilaje/Ese Odo federal constituency of Ondo State and a journalist by profession described journalism as a door opener.
Mr Churchill Oyowe, chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, urged members to ensure the money does not cause division among them, saying rather, it should be revolving for the benefit of all.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Victor Okpomor, chairman, NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel said that the initiative was kick-started on Oct. 1, 2024.
Okpomor described Adebayo as always a leading light who had transformed journalism practice in Warri in particular, Delta State and the country in general.
