By Victoria Okpanachi
Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kogi State Chapter, celebrated some of the state’s leading media figures, recognising their outstanding leadership and contributions which has impacted the association and the state at large.
The award presentation held in Lokoja, was aimed at honouring writers and supporters of the association who have passionately championed the cause of inspiring the younger generation and bridging the growing intellectual gap.
Chairman of ANA, Mr Tope Joel, in his opening remark disclosed that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Jimoh Itopa was hononured with the distinguished Pillar Award for his contributions towards enhancing the activities of the group.
The other recipient include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, Director General, Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuf who were conferred with the ANA Partner Award and Mr. Simbabi Ogbeha who was hononured with the Grand Patron Award.
According to Mr. Joel, the awardees are people of repute who have impacted immensely behind the scenes, resulting in the effective discharge of the association’s responsibilities to the society.
While stressing that the essence of ANA in the state is to revive the reading culture especially among young minds, he said going forward, ANA has prepared a lot of programmes tailored towards ensuring that the reading and writing culture is revived.
Reacting , the MD of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Jimoh Itopa, dedicated his award to the newspaper corporation, describing the honour as a call to even greater service.
He appreciated ANA for the prestigious Pillar Award bestowed on him, stating that for a person to be recognised, it means there was something significant that person was doing.
“When people honor you, they challenge you to do more and beyond what has been done, I am motivated to do more” he added.
A poet, columnist, and author, Mr. Itopa is best known for his book “The World Shall Return,” which has long been a recommended text for junior secondary schools by the state’s Ministry of Education.
The Director General Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Yusuf also applauded the association for honouring her with the Partner Award.
According to her, the honour was a welcome development because it was from a reputable association and that it shows that the group identified certain significant things about the recipients.
Princess Yusuf described the media as a mirror to the society, hence the need for those in the media space to maintain professionalism at all times.
She said Radio Kogi was doing far better than she met it and applauded Governor Amhed Usman Ododo for his support in ensuring they deliver excellent services to the public.
On his part,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Ebenezer Durodija, who was represented by the Kogi State NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Seidu, expressed gratitude and described the award as both an honour and a challenge to contribute even more to the sector.
Reacting, the Managing Director, Confluence Cable Network, Mr. Simbabi Ogbeha,thanked the association for honouring him with the grand Patron award.
He noted that, while impacting lives does not call for public applause, this gesture was a call to continuous service.
Mr. Ogbeha promised his continuous support to the association’s mission of nurturing literary excellence.
