By Kayode Adeoti
In appreciation of his impact on professional journalism, public orientation and development of legal profession in Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, will on Saturday confer Lifetime Achievement Award on the MD/Editor-in-Chief of National Pilot Newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola.
According to the notification letter jointly signed by the Chairman of the association Barr. Manzuma Issa and the Secretary, Barr. Kamaldeen Gambari, Adedamola will be decorated at the Annual Bar Dinner scheduled to hold 5pm at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin.
Part of the notification letter reads: “…the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch, as an institution of social engineering has deemed it fit that uncommon and exceptional Nigerians should not only be recognised but also celebrated to encourage them to do more.”
It added that Adedamola’s name emerged as one of the awardees after a series of robust deliberations and wide consultation by the NBA.
Since the former This Day Newspaper editor, took over the leadership of National Pilot about five years ago, the publication which is now the most circulated in Kwara and its environs has been enriched in terms of contents and outlook.
Until his present engagement, Adedamola who has contributed over three productive decades into journalism was a media aide to former Kwara State governor, Dr Bukola Saraki (now Senate President).
The veteran pen pusher was at various times editor of Guardian Newspaper, Anchor and Encomium magazine, among others.
Recall that the NBA boss, in his goodwill message on the occasion of the roundtable on restructuring and economy recently organised by National Pilot Newspaper, described the event as timely.
He went further by saying, “Billy exemplifies how to use the press for progress, fight demagogues of all parties, remain devoted to public welfare, not satisfied within merely printing news but investigative news reporting which is typical of National Pilot Newspaper.
The NBA Dinner is organised annually to allow members of the association socialise with friends and families. It also serves an avenue to honour distinguished members of the society who have contributed immensely to the development of the Bar and have rendered service to humanity at large.
