Mr. Femi Oyewale, President of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, on Sunday, April 25, received leadership award in Lagos.
The award which recognizes Oyewale as a “Prudent Union Leader and Communicator Par Excellence,” came on the stable of Apex Media Group, publishers of Apex magazine on the occasion of its 2021 awards and unveiling of the magazine.
Justifying the honour, Chukwudi Samuel Timothy, founder of Apex Media, noted that Oyewale Femi and other awardees have demonstrated positive leadership traits that are manifesting in the art and science of rebuilding Nigeria.
He explained that the philosophical view points and administrative competence of Oyewale have endeared NASORE to policy makers who have endorsed the online media association as an integral partner in national development.
Chukwudi sued for concerted efforts among leaders and stakeholders to earn Nigeria its right of place in global reckoning.
Chief Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Onah, former Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Idimu Police Station, who attended the event “As a friend” lauded Chukwudi’s professionalism and media ethical standards.
He however expressed disdain about the unprofessional conducts of some journalists and human rights activists saying “Some journalists and human rights activists think they know more than everyone. They feel police officers are not educated and that could be irritating most times,” he stated.
Responding, Oyewale appreciated the management and editorial board of Apex Media Group for the honour.
He advised Apex media not to relent in its efforts at deepening constitutional democracy and fiscal federalism as the basis for sustainable development and lifting the masses out of poverty.
Oyewale promised to always avail NAOSRE’s instrument of supports to Apex media whenever it is necessary to do so.
The NAOSRE president, in the same stratum, admonished Supol Onah to remain passionate about the media and champion a true Nigeria that would work for every citizen as a senior security personage arguing that he should not succumb to the temptation to devalue his respect for the media.
He reminded Onah that Nigeria is witnessing a period classified as one of the most trying in its history which does not support reservations about the altruistic tendencies of media practitioners.
“I listened to the great testimonies here about you. Everyone here who has said something today has something good about you to say.
“I respect your maturity, objectivity and sagacity, all of which you have placed at the disposal of your security functions as a DPO. I urge you to keep the spirit.
“You are right about the over bearing tendencies of some of us. But the fourth estate of the realm, imperfect though it may be seen, is still playing its role as a foremost democratic institution.
“Therefore, on behalf of those that may have offended you, I plead on their behalf for forgiveness, Oyewale said.
The NAOSRE president explained that NAOSRE which he leads is unshaken in its principled position and capacity to speak truth to power saying the association has demonstrated consistency, great courage, forthrightness, leadership to promote harmony between citizens and security agents.
He cited the example of its December 11, 2020 Security Summit at Oriental Hotel, Lagos where stakeholders advocated for improved fiscal estimates for military operations.
“NAOSRE is therefore, obliged, morally and for the purpose of keeping Nigeria safe, to keep doing what we are doing , as fully as we can, in any measure designed,” Oyewale who was represented by the association’s PRO, Idumonza Isidahomhen, stated.
Others who were honoured at the Apex award includes but not limited to Sir Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police, West African Examination Council, WAEC boss, Patrick Areghan, Pastor Osaro Odion and Honourable Rosaline Idimogu.
