WITH JOKE ADENIYI-JACKSON
Like the saying that a dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hardwork, this is a celebratory season for us at National Pilot Newspaper. The reason is not far fetched, it is all about the deluge of recognitions, the gale of accolades that have come to be our lot in recent time. The newspaper’s rise from obscurity to prominence is not by abracadabra but a testimony of hard work, determination and perseverance on the part of management and staff of the organisation. The awards of excellence started rolling in last year when the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Alhaji Billy Adedamola was bestowed with ‘Personality Award’ by the Nigeria Bar Association, Ilorin Branch. He was distinguished alongside six other eminent Nigerians at a colourful event held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, Kwara State. The association honoured the awardees based on merit and outstanding contributions to the development of the society through their various fields of endeavour. Before the euphoria that greeted the feat could subside, another award of excellence came our way; ‘The Best Print Award 2017’ by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) in recognition of accurate and extensive reportage. Shortly after that the Magazine and Newspaper Distribution Association of Nigeria (MANDAN), Kwara State chapter named National Pilot the ‘Best Selling Newspaper.’ The official award ceremony is billed to come up soon. This lends credence to the fact that National Pilot is a leading newspaper in Kwara State.
The latest of the honours is the nomination in two categories by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA). The newspaper has been nominated by the prestigious national body in the ‘Best Print Media’ and ‘Best Online Media Website’ categories for the 2018.ng Awards.
The letter reads in parts: The award categories recognise excellence in journalism and other media-related activities; based on the level of local content and original content promoted with ng.domain. National Pilot was nominated by the general public and assessed by the Award Jury as fulfilling the criteria for this category. ” The Award ceremony is scheduled to hold in Lagos on Friday, 6th July, 2018.
This harvest of honours is exhilarating for us at National Pilot Newspaper, as it is perceived as ‘gains for our pains’. The newspaper has overtime steadily gained momentum and as also result getting the recognition it deserves. The height we have attained is not by sudden flight but through dint of hard work because others slept we toiled. For our sweat we have the sweets. This is indeed refreshing and an encouragement not to rest on our oars. The NIRA nominations have further validated the fact that National Pilot has come to become darling of readers not just in Kwara State but Nigeria given its online presence. The newspaper has continued to strive under harsh conditions. It has stepped notches higher in serving hot and sizzling reports to the reading public through robust reporting. Conscious of the value that each publication adds the newspaper has continued to stand out in his exclusive news reportage. The practice of fearless journalism by the medium has pitched some prominent people against the it, however, this has not deter the management from doing what it deemed regardless of whose ox is gored, as a newspaper held in public trust. National Pilot has become the compelling voice, which speaks to diverse hearts and souls. The voice of the people.
All these were possible because the media organisation boasts of people who are passionate about news gathering and information dissemination. A rare breed of individuals who are committed to their cause, even when the odds are stacked against them. The never-say-die attitude of the management and staff shows utter commitment to the space occupied in the media landscape in the state and beyond.
Nonetheless, for the new face of National Pilot, Alhaji Adedamola deserves garlands. His coming to National Pilot turned around the fortunes of the newspaper which was on the verge of collapse. It is timely arrival saved. With his ‘magic wand’ National Pilot received lifeline and bounced back to life. He changed the face of the newspaper, gave it a new identity, and enriched the editorial content. He brought to bear his keen sense of professionalism as a fine breed journalist. An astute administrator, he drives his staff hard with the sole aim of bringing out the best in us and today, we are better for it.
Under his administration, National Pilot has held tenaciously to its motto of ‘Quest for Truth and Justice.’
All said, National Pilot will be counting on the support of our readers and Kwarans in general to win in the two categories nominated for through your votes.
The medium is competing with other nominees in the aforementioned categories and the winner would be determined by the number of votes received.
The voting mechanism is available online at www.nira.org.ng/ngawards/vote.php.
Thanks as you vote. Your vote counts.
