Yusuf Edun
In a heartwarming ceremony held at PARK INN, Raddison Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, four deserving students were awarded scholarships by Public Relations Primus through its annual “Your Image Award”.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Ogun’s State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to recognize and honour six distinguished Nigerian icons for their significant contributions to the country’s development.
During the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kola Fagbohun, presented the scholarship packages to the deserving students.
John Adesina and Abibat Hamzat from Egba Comprehensive High School, Asero, Abeokuta, along with Yusuf Edun Olashile and Nimotah Ogunlaja from the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, were the beneficiaries.
LR: Mrs Abimbola Oso, Edun Yusuf, Nimotah Ogunlaja, Mr. Kola Fagbohun
The Chief Executive Officer of PR Primus, Mr. Akin Okudero, FNIPR, expressed his dedication to supporting education and emphasized the importance of recognizing professionalism, competence, integrity, and patriotism.
He said the scheme serves to honor two notable figures, former Head of Service of Ogun State, Engr. Isiaka Olanrewaju Bisiriyu, FNSE, and Professor Lai Osho, Mass Communication Scholar.
“We have added value this time around by conceptualizing an Empowerment Scheme for indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions.”
He also revealed that seven individuals were recognized for their professionalism, competence in service delivery, integrity, and patriotism.
Notably, Chief Segun Odegbami, proprietor of Eagle 7 FM Radio in Abeokuta, educationist, and former captain of Nigeria’s Senior Football team, was honored for his exceptional contribution in sports with “Lifetime Award” in recognition of his achievements.
Other awardees included Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, Towulade of Akinale Kingdom, who was presented with the “PR Icon” Award, and Chief Bukola Olopade, former Ogun State Sports Commissioner, who received the “Corporate Social Responsibility Award (Sports)”.
Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, former President of the African Public Relations Association, was recognized with the “PR Beacon” Award, while Mrs. Temitope Oguntokun, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, International Breweries, was named “PR Professional of the Year”. Mr. Eddie Aina, Managing Director of Sweet FM, Abeokuta, was honored with the “Role Model Award”, and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) received the “Outstanding & Visionary Association in Cutting Edge Corporate Governance” Award.
The event witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including HRM Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom; Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, representing the Governor of Ogun State; and Dr. Ike Neliaku, NIPR President, among others.
Mr. Okudero expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the scholarship recipients and thanked the parents for their unwavering support. He encouraged parents, both locally and internationally, to endorse the program to continue its positive impact.
He also disclosed the organization’s plan to expand the Empowerment Scheme and called upon partners, both local and international, to join hands in this noble endeavor.
“Going forward, we hope to expand the scope of the Empowerment scheme, building upon the success of the maiden edition. We call on our partners, both locally and internationally, to join us in lending a helping hand.”
The CEO also unveiled the second edition of PR Primus Magazine, an avenue for enriching scholarly discourse and sharing PR practice experiences. Advertisers, contributors, and sponsors were invited to seize the opportunity to feature in the magazine.
“Today, we introduce the second edition of PR PRIMUS MAGAZINE. It serves as a platform for enriching scholarly discourse and sharing PR practice experiences. We invite advertisers, contributors, and sponsors to seize the opportunity to feature in the magazine.”
He, however, expressed gratitude to all participants for their collective efforts in advancing the field of Public Relations practice, education, and knowledge on a global.
