By Danmaryam Zayamu

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Baba-Busu, has been honoured by the state government for objective reportage of activities in the state.

Six other journalists also receive award in different categories.

In a well-attended ceremony in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, Governor Abdullahi Sule honoured the journalists at the 1st Annual Media Dinner organised by the state government to appreciate the media for their contributions to the development of the state.

The governor applauded the efforts of the recipients of the awards at keeping the people abreast of the administration’s policies and programmes.

“I really want to thank each of you awarded tonight for the wonderful job you are doing for Nasarawa state and to assure you that my administration prioritizes and rewards hardwork and dedication,” the  governor said.

He noted that the event was an avenue for government officials and the media to interface and share some moments whereby they can agree and disagree on issues affecting the state.

Sule promised to explore all opportunities that would foster closer ties with the media for the benefit of the people of the state.

Speaking,  Director General of Strategic Communication and Press Affairs to the governor, Mr Yakubu Lamai, said the essence of the event was to celebrate excellence.
He explained that the event was organised by his office to, among other things, strengthen the ties between government and the media in the state.

“His Excellency agreed to this event because of his open door policy and to say thank you to the media for a job well done throughout the year.

“We are here to thank you for your efforts throughout the year and I can tell you that we will not be able to do this if it is not Governor Sule at the helm of affairs,” he said.

While responding to questions from Journalists, NAN state correspondent in Nasarawa, Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Busu, who was honoured as the ‘Most Constructive Journalist’ of the year thanked the state government for the recognition.

He said the honour would spur him to do more by upholding professional ethics and continue to project the developmental strides of the state government.

“I therefore will mince no words in telling the state governor that we identify with him and his government and we will continue to propagate his achievements in and outside the state.

“Let me also use this forum to appeal to my colleagues in the fourth estate of the realm to engage in objective, fair, investigative and developmental journalism. This is what the state and the country need at this period in time,” he said.

Other Journalists honoured by the state government include Mr Igbawase Ukumba of This Day Newspaper as the Humanitarian Reporter of the Year, Mr Babajide Otitoju, a Senior staff of Television Continental (TVC), Mr Rayanu Bala of Nasarawa Eye, Mr Mathew Kuju of Eggon News, Mr Mohammed Shafa of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), and Mr Boniface Abraham of Option FM, Akwanga.