By Samuel Sunday
The League of Veteran Journalists, Ekiti State Chapter, has inaugurated Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its Grand Patron for his contributions to peace, development and media partnership in the state.
Governor Oyebanji was inaugurated at the maiden investiture of the League held on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti the State capital, with the theme “Celebrating Service, Journalism and Legacy.”
Other eminent personalities inaugurated as Patrons were the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Stephen Babatunde Alabi; Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority Governing Board, Senator Clement Adeyeye; Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, Oba Moses Ogundana; former Senator representing Ekiti Central, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; and the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado.
Representing the Governor at the event, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said the administration’s investment in security and peace-building, complemented by a responsible and professional media, has helped sustain Ekiti’s rating as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Oyebode described Governor Oyebanji as a peacemaker and bridge-builder who has made huge investments in the security of lives and property while creating an enabling environment for citizens and investors.
He commended journalists in the state for their professionalism, noting that the partnership between government and the media remains vital to sustaining peace and projecting development.
“We have a working governor who is building bridges and making huge investments in security and safety of lives. We also have responsible and highly professional media practitioners in the state. It is a combination of these factors,” Oyebode said.
He added that the recognitions and positive ratings received by the administration are reflections of verifiable developments on ground, effectively communicated by a responsible press.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the League, Prince Kayode Oni, said the body was established to bring together men and women whose professional journeys were shaped by journalism and strategic communication.
Oni said members belong to a generation that regards journalism as a public trust and remains committed to professionalism, service and responsible communication.
He explained that the Patrons’ investiture was aimed at strengthening the League and expanding its circle of supporters committed to its ideals.
“Our vision is to make the League a centre of experience, professional fellowship and intergenerational learning,” he said, noting that the wisdom of respected public figures would contribute to mentorship and dialogue on media governance and development communication.
Speaking on behalf of Senator Adaramodu, his representative, Ademola Obanise, thanked the League for the honour and said the Senate Spokesman remains committed to public service and values the contributions of veteran journalists who shaped his career.
The Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Stephen Alabi, who also spoke, appreciated the League for the recognition and commended Governor Oyebanji for his developmental strides, describing him as a “jinx breaker.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation, Prince Kayode Fasua; Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, and other veteran journalists, traditional rulers and stakeholders.
The investiture brought together generations of journalists to celebrate service, promote unity and strengthen professional mentorship.
