A former Special Assistant on Media to the immediate past Governor of Ondo State (Office of the first lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu), Ms Mary Olumuyiwa Agidi, was at the weekend honored with the Ose Fireball and Outstanding Journalist Award.
The honor was bestowed on her as part of the activities to celebrate the 11th founding anniversary of the Chronicle magazine, held at the OSDPC Multipurpose Hall, Ijapo Estate, Akure.
According to the organizer of the event, Mr. Olaseeni Oyesusi, the 11th anniversary was dedicated to celebrating the sons and daughters of Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, who have in one way or another contributed significantly to society through their respective endeavors.
Prior to her political appointment, Mary Agidi, an indigene of Idogun Kingdom in Ose, had worked with The Hope newspapers and also published an online newspaper, JATS Communications.
Responding to the honor, she appreciated the publisher of the magazine for deeming it fit to recognize her, even while she no longer holds a political appointment. She noted that the timing of the honor signified its genuineness. She, therefore, dedicated it to the former First Lady of Ondo State, Chief (Dr.) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who discovered her professional prowess and brought her to the limelight, after over 10 years of practice without recognition.
Earlier in his remarks, the royal father of the day and Olumoru of Imoru, HRM Oba, said the government cannot combat insecurity alone but requires the collaboration of all and sundry, as he highlighted some measures he had put in place to strengthen the Amotekun officers in his territory.
Presenting the award to Mary Agidi, the Olumoru, a veteran journalist himself, commended her professional expertise in the media space.
In her congratulatory message, the former Ondo First Lady eulogised her, saying :” I am beaming with pride and joy, knowing that I had the privilege of nominating you as my Special Assistant on Media during my tenure as
First Lady of Ondo State. Your exceptional writing skills and dedication to your craft were evident even back then, and it’s wonderful to see your hard work paying off.
“Your achievement is a testament to your talent, perseverance, and the fact that women can indeed stand out in their chosen fields. You have made me proud, and I have no doubt that you will continue
to shine brightly in the world of journalism”.
The guest speaker and former Chairman of Ose Local Government, Hon. Ilepe Johnson, identified civil engagement as the panacea for good governance to rescue Nigeria from its current state of quagmire and comatose, where only a few have access to the nation’s resources.
Speaking to the theme of the event: “Civil Engagement and Good Governance to Unleash Local Potentials in Ose: The Role of Stakeholders,” Hon. Ilepe Johnson emphasized the need for stakeholders’ involvement in local governance to reduce inequality and poverty.
According to him, the lack of democratization at the grassroots level has caused the failure of stakeholders’ participation in the development of Ose. He noted that civil engagement is altruistic, voluntary, and without wage, and is geared towards the well-being of the citizens.
Towards unleashing stakeholders for positive change, he recommended activism and advocacy, community service, philanthropy, social interventions, and the promotion of community-based leadership.
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