A sociopolitical group, The Osun Progressives (TOP) , has hailed the Nigerian Union of Journalists, South West zone for appointing the immediate past Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as its Grand Patron.
The Osun Progressives according to the group is a subset of All Progressives Congress (APC) State of Osun.
TOP in a congratulatory message signed by its spokesperson, Rev ‘Lowo Adebiyi
and made available to newsmen in Osogbo, Osun state capital on Friday described Aregbesola’s appointment as NUJ South West Zone grand Patron as well deserved because of his laudable contribution to media industry.
The ceremony as well as conferment of Award of Excellence on the Interior Minister took place on Friday Friday, March 26, 2021 at Premier Hotel, Ibadan
The group described Aregbesola as “a renowned human rights activist and revolutionary leader of all seasons” who deserves the special honour and award.
The group also commended the NUJ for recognising Aregbesola’s service to humanity and landmark achievements, by conferring on him its Grand Patron and award of excellence.
“We want to state categorically that the appointment of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the South West NUJ zone is well deserved because the Interior Minister deserved the appointment and merit the award.
“We commend the men in the pen profession for not being compromised by those who always feel threat by the progress of Aregbesola.
“Despite the pressure here and there members of NUJ remain resolute and refused to subject themselves to their pressure. We wonder why some enemies of progressive wanted to politicised the investiture. ” the group said.
” Ogbeni Aregbesola apart from his humanitarian services has contributed immensely to the development and growth of the media industry in the country. Because of his affection for the media profession, he established three media houses even before he became the Governor.
“His performance while he was in office as the Governor of Osun as a matter of fact, endeared him to many the same thing he is still replicating at the ministry of Interior.
“When he was the governor in Osun, Aregbesola set up the Bureau of Communication and Strategy where he also employed journalists to work there. He also gave one bus to the Osun State Council of NUJ and another bus to the NUJ Correspondent Chapel.
“In addition to that, he was accessible to journalists; he held an interactive programme where journalists and other members of the public asked questions uncensored regularly. Even right now as the minister, he is accessible to journalists.”
