WITH JOKE ADENIYI-JACKSON
Like the saying that for everything under the sun, there is a season, National Pilot is experiencing a new dawn.ย ย It is a season of awards,ย ย honours and recognitions for the Ilorin-based newspaper. A community newspaper of professional repute,ย ย National Pilot’s fame is spreading like wide fire, gaining prominence as the proverbial house set upon the hill that cannot be hidden.ย ย National Pilot has proved overtime to be a very important part of the media landscape in Kwara State, delivering valued and trusted journalism.
The awards of excellence started rolling in late 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 distinguishedย ย alongsideย ย six other eminent Nigeriansย ย 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 out way;ย ย ‘The Best Print Award 2017’ by the Kwaraย 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.
Then came 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 Award ceremony will be coming up on Friday, 5th July,ย ย 2018 in Lagos State.
The awards and honours have recognised and celebrate the newspaper’s outstanding work in journalism.
So also,ย ย it was a day of glory for National Pilot last Sunday, as it was again recognised by the Rotary Club of Ilorin GRA district 9125 for its exemplary journalism.ย ย National Pilot was the only media house that was given award at the event.
The media outfit was among several eminent personalities and organisations bestowed with honour by the Rotary Club.
Others who were honoured at the colourful ceremony held at the Kwara Hotel, Ilorin were, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari; the Oloro of Oro-Ago, Oba Johnson Olanrewaju Dada; Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Aliu Adebayo and Magaji of Oke-Ogun,ย ย Alhaji Mohammed Laro Abdulkadir.
Also awarded were Retired Commissioner of Police,ย ย Abdulkadir Mohammed; Chairman, Lubcon Industry, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim,ย ย former Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources,ย ย Barrister Razak Akorede and Brigadier General Godwin Alabi Isama (retd),ย ย among others.
The award came as a icing to the cake of National Pilot as it lends credence to the fact that the earlier awards, rewards, honours and recognition are well deserved given its stellar performance in the field of journalism. It is no gainsay that the community newspaper has become a platform of excellent reportage, promoting best in journalism practices and setting professional standards for others to follow. It has continued to innovate and deliver an exceptional newspaper in both print and online media. Nonetheless, the season of awards is consequent upon hardwork, dedication, commitment, passion and sacrifice by management and staff of the media organisation. For the sweat we now have the sweet. It is a long journey here,ย ย which took years of unusual dedication to work and drive to achieve.
However,ย ย this awards one must say comes with the challenge that we cannot afford to rest on our oars because our best is yet to come.
Meanwhile,ย ย like the saying that for everything that has a beginning must have an end,ย ย the current President of Rotary Club Ilorin District,ย ย Rotarian Alabi Amuda will be winding up soon.
The retired Kwara State Permanent Secretary has no doubt put up sterling performance in office in line with the humanitarian objectives of the club.
He gave stewardship of his leadership at last Sunday at the event tagged appreciation fellowship,ย ย held at the Kwara Hotel Ilorin.
It was at the auspicious occasion, which turned out to be a fun time for members and invited guests that awards were given to deserving individuals, whom the president said contributed to his success story.
His innovative projects have in actual sense served humanity in the past 12 months, putting his Rotaryโs footprints on the sands of time through series of need-informed service projects and other activities of the club.
.He listed the achievements recorded under his leadership to include donation of empowerment tools to artisans,ย ย free medical outreach at Okesuna Maternity Hospital,ย ย payment of WAEC fees of indigent students,ย ย career talks in selected schools, polio eradication awareness, among others programmes.
He alluded his achievement also to teamwork by committed Rotarian.
As one burdened by health needs of the people, he promised that before his tenure lapses more health project would be embarked upon in order to tackle health issues. He also stated his vowed commitment towards growing the clubย ย in various aspects of community services.
ย In line with this, the club donated aprons to be won by polio immunization officers to the state Ministry of Health.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Clubโs quarterly publication, titled, โThe Ultimate Newsletterโ, containing information about the district and the various clubs, their activities as well as information about the Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation.
