News
NTA Reporter, Ojo Bags Excel Africa Award for Youth Support through Media
Joel Ajayi
A youth-focused reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Olayinka Ojo, has been recognized with the prestigious Excel Africa Award for Youth Support through Media. The award acknowledges his exceptional reportage on issues affecting young people in Nigeria and his remarkable professionalism in his role as an image maker of the Nigerian Army.
The Excel Africa Summit and Honours focused on the theme: “Empowering Sustainability through Digital Innovation and Leadership.”
Mr. Ojo, known for his calm demeanor and extensive experience, was specifically recognized for his insightful and positive reporting, which has uplifted many Nigerian youths. His in-depth analyses and constructive approach to journalism have earned him widespread admiration across the country.
While receiving the award on Thursday night in Abuja, Mr. Ojo expressed his gratitude and humility, stating that the recognition serves as encouragement to continue his commitment to providing accurate and timely information to the public.
“For me, I wouldn’t want to say this award is for me alone. I would like to dedicate it to the entire NTA family because, without the platform they provided, this recognition wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
He added, “I never thought such an honor would come my way. What surprises me the most is that while I was simply contributing my quota toward societal growth, some people were paying attention to my work. This shows that if you are in journalism solely for money or fame, you are in the wrong profession. But if your goal is to contribute meaningfully to society daily, then you are on the right path. Money and fame will come naturally when you do your work with integrity.”
Mr. Ojo also used the occasion to advise Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, transparency, and ethical values while shunning all forms of social vices. He said, “My advice to Nigerian youth is to avoid all social vices and focus on contributing positively to the Nigerian project.”
In his remarks, the Principal Partner of the Excel Africa Summit and Honours 2024, Rhaji Oti Ovunda, highlighted the reasons behind Mr. Ojo’s nomination, emphasizing his commitment to balanced and impactful news reporting.
“As we celebrate these remarkable individuals tonight, let us remember that their achievements are not just reflections of the past but stepping stones toward a better future. The honorees have shown us that true success lies in serving others, creating opportunities, and improving the world for future generations,” he said.
He further emphasized the role of digital innovation in driving sustainability in Africa. “This evening is not just a celebration of past achievements—it’s a call to action for the future. The Africa we desire is one where digital innovation drives sustainability, not just in our economies but in our societies and infrastructures. We envision a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of age or background, has the tools, opportunities, and determination to shape the future,” he added.
Other awardees included the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Olawande Ayodele; Yargote Foundation; Bro Felix Obuah; Chief Uba Michael; and Dr. Samira Buhari, among others, who were honored in various categories.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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