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.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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