Veteran journalist and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Lawal Iyanda Farms Limited, Sola Adebayo, has launched a N25 million endowment fund for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents Chapel.
Adebayo, in his magnanimity presented the dummy cheque of the whopping sum, on Tuesday during a brief ceremony attended by some of his friends, and business associates who also made awesome donations to his welfare package for members of the chapel.
The fund, which exceeded its initial target of N10 million, was conceptualized by the renowned media consultant in October, to support journalists in need and promote the well-being of chapel members.
Speaking at his residence during the presentation of the cheque to the leadership of the chapel, Adebayo who had a long standing media practice in Warri before venturing into farming, urged journalists to uphold the profession’s tenets, cultivate lasting relationships, and remain dedicated to their craft.
“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.
According to the renowned Journalist, 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.
Acknowledging the contributions of the various donors, Adebayo expressed gratitude to his friends, associates and well-wishers for the success of the project.
“I want to sincerely appreciate all my friends who contributed generously towards this project. When we started the process, the target was N10 million. I am grateful, we exceeded the target,” he said.
Presenting the dummy cheque of N25 million on behalf of Mr Adebayo, Rt. Hon. Thomas 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.
The lawmaker who was highly elated noted that ability to impact on peoples life was significant because a person would be remembered for his/her positive impact and legacies.
According to Chief Ereyitomi, “Sola has been a very good friend and we have been relating well. What we are doing here today is significant in the sense that it has to do with humanity.
“Service to humanity is very key because all of us will grow old and one day leave this planet. What will people say about you? Our ability to impact on others is very key. We need to be conscious of it,” he said.
Chief Ereyitomi called on members of the Chapel to ensure the fund was used judiciously to encourage the donors .
According to him, “when we see that this fund is put into judicious use, we will be encouraged.
“Now that Sola has used this platform to impact, we expect that it will trickle down, to encourage us to do more. Not only for this profession but for others who also want to impact on humanity”.
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. Etanabene recalled his relationship with Mr Adebayo while he was the Chairman of PENGASSAN at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI),
He added that Adebsyo is a controversial but compassionate journalist who stands for the truth and kindness at all times.
“This is just one accomplished means to actualize his dream of impacting on humanity.
“It is the journalism he is practising that brought all of us together and I am happy he is still maintaining the relationships with his base.
“His base has not change. You can describe my friend as NUJ politician. I rejoice with all of you for this kind gesture.
“It has not ended, it is a process. Ensure judicious use of money,” he advised.
The lawmaker noted that money is a source of joy but could also cause serious problems and urged the members to ensure it was judiciously managed.
He averred that government at all levels in the country had not shown concern for the welfare of the media in spite of their roles in shaping the society through agenda setting and others.
Also speaking, Hon. Donald Ojogo, Member representing Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State and a journalist by profession described journalism as a door opener.
Hon. Ojogo expressed gratitude to Adebayo for the noble gesture and urged members to at all time uphold the ethics of the journalism profession.
According to him, “it was thing of joy when Asiwaju called, for me it was not a request. Journalism opens doors, you can have access to Ministers and establish contacts with them,” he said.
The former South South Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune recalled that Warri was operating like a state within a state.
According to him, the oil-rich city was more of a melting pot between the South West, South East and South South regions of the country.
Mr. Churchill Oyowe, Chairman, NUJ, Delta State Council urged members to ensure the money does not cause division among members of the chapel but rather, it should be revolving for the benefits of all.
“People should not feign challenges. It should be shared for genuine reasons.
“I beg of us, let this money not cause problem. Let it be revolving for the benefit of all of you.
“I thank all the good minded people and Asiwaju for galvanising them for this noble gesture,” he said.
In his opening remark, Mr. Victor Okpomor, Chairman, NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel said that the initiative kick-started on Oct. 1, 2024.
He, on behalf of the Chapel expressed gratitude to Asiwaju Adebayo.
Okpomor described him as always a leading light who had transformed journalism practice in Warri in particular, Delta State and the country in general.
