The Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge, John Ajayi, has bagged the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Media Icon Award.
Ajayi was bestowed with the award alongside other veteran journalists and media owners at the maiden edition of the Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.
According to a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH, the event held Lagos and had in attendance seasoned journalist and a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, as the chairman and other personalities in the media industry.
In his remarks, Ajayi said, “I am overwhelmed and humbled by this recognition. Journalism has been my passion and vocation. This is the profession to which I have dedicated my entire professional life. While I was just doing my bit as a journalist and a publisher, I didn’t know the world, and indeed, the custodian of our dear profession in Nigeria, are taking note of these modest efforts.
“To be honoured and sharing the podium with veterans such as Sam Amuka-Pemu, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Nduka Obaegbena (my former publisher), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Dr John Momoh and my mentor, Bayo Onanuga, is an experience to be treasured for a lifetime. It is very humbling.
“I am grateful to God because I know how the journey started. Though I have always aimed for excellence through hard work and doggedness, the truth of the matter is that the race is not for the swift or the surefooted. It is by God’s mercy and grace; and for this, I am eternally grateful.”
Explaining the reason for organising the award, the President, NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, said journalists were seldom recognised and least celebrated despite their immense contributions to national development.
