The news department of Orange 94.5 FM, a subsidiary of OSRC media group has rewarded hard work and excellence by giving awards to deserving staff with cash prizes for 2023.
This is the first ever edition of awards of excellence to Orange FM news department staff since the inauguration of the station.
The Head of News and Current Affairs, Adebimpe Akindele who initiated the Awards, advised the beneficiaries to see the move as a challenge to do more.
Akindele said, “the programme was scheduled initially to take place on World Radio Day but had to be shifted following the various developments in the state since late last year.
“This year a Century of Information, Entertainment and Education was celebrated as radio’s rich past, ongoing relevance, and promising future which was the topic chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to mark World Radio Day 2024 on 13 February 2024.”
She added that “with the radio having crossed the 100-year milestone, it was a significant occasion commemorating the medium’s extensive virtues and continuing potency. However, radio faces challenges to its audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, social media, digital and generational divides, censorship, consolidations, and economic hardships”.
“This programme was put up to celebrate our folks who despite these challenges, continue to go the extra mile to give their best in coverage and reportage of events and news in all spheres, locally and from the national and international scenes. Talk about it all, orange 94.5 FM News Department is the station to beat. “
“When I came on board last year as the Head of News and Current Affairs, I thought it best to create a Healthy Rivalry among staff to further push and encourage them to do more. We started a monthly award for the best staff and some of them have benefited. “
“Today, we have seven awards in different categories sponsored by some people who have made their mark in this profession, the ones who appreciate our efforts at justifying the reasons for adequate coverage and dissemination of news. I say thank you to all our donors who have supported us immensely. God bless you all.”
Chief press secretary to Ondo state Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan who was one of the sponsors lauded the initiative by the management of Orange FM news department led by Adebimpe Akindele.
He urged that the initiative be sustained, noting that it will promote a healthy rivalry among the staff.
According to him, it will give the staff a sense of belonging , saying that the gesture was the hallmark of good leadership.
Prince Adeniyan further supported the programme with cash prizes for the awardees.
Another sponsor, former staff of OSRC and VON, Ayo Durodola encouraged media professionals to go the extra mile in the discharge of their duties.
In his remark, the chairman OSRC media group, Kunle Adebayo lauded Adebimpe Akindele for what he described as a pace setting move.
Mr Adebayo congratulated the awardees for their hardwork at making the news contents rich and assured of commitment to member’s welfare .
He said “I knew it would come out well because I know her, the programme will get better and better”
Speaking on behalf of the others, Gbenga Oluwajana who clinched two awards expressed happiness, saying it will spur them to do more, while lauding the leadership of the department and the chairman Mr Kunle Adebayo for their mentorship and thanked the sponsors for the gesture.
Some of the Awards were sponsored in the name of some of the sponsors .
Others were in the name of Orange FM and OSRC staff who had died, to honour their memories.
Israel Fagbemigun Reporter Of The Year Award went to Inaga Akiri while, Ebenezer Adeniyan Script Writer of the Year Award
went to Gbenga Oluwajana and
Overall Best Freelancer Award was taken by Otobot Jim.
Others are Kehinde Olalekan who won Adenike Thompson Presenter of the Year Award, while Sola Ilesanmi Journalist Of The Year Award went to Seye Akinwalere and Bunmi Afuye Sports Reporter of the year Award was clinched by Gbenga Oluwajana.
Steve Sotonwa On- Air personality Award went to Wumi Ayenigbara of the programmes department.
Also, Analysts and guests who over the years have featured on Orange 94.5 FM’s News as respondents and on Current Affairs Programmes were honoured during the Orange FMs 2023 Awards for contributing their quota
A Don, Gbenga Abimbola who spoke on behalf of the analysts, assured of their continued contributions to issues that will fix the country
Abimbola who underscored the importance of media in a developing country like Nigeria, said media organisations must to create avenues for the citizens as it is one of those channels government can hear them.
A veteran journalist, Williams Olufunmi encouraged the awardees to see the honour as a challenge to greater heights, while seeking for investment in human capital development, noting that training and retraining of personnel is vital
Those honoured are Dr. Gbenga Abimbola, Mr Lekan Olajobi,Mr Tope Okeowo, Mr Henry Olonimoyo and Daisi Adetarami.
Others are Mr Abu Adams, Mrs Yinka Odedele, Adeola Imani and Mr Audi Seun.
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