MANAGING Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ali M. Ali, has commended the agency’s outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Mr Mufutau Ojo, for his diligence and commitment to journalism profession.
Ali gave the commendation on Monday at a send-off ceremony organised in honour of Ojo at the NAN headquarters, Abuja.
He described Ojo as a dedicated professional who had contributed significantly to putting the agency in the limelight without seeking personal attention.
The managing director said working with Ojo for almost three years had taught him important lessons about commitment, diligence and professional journalism.
“My reading of him was that he never sought to be in the limelight, but somehow put the agency in the limelight.
“Working with him has taught me one or two things about commitment and the power of diligence,” he said.
According to him, Ojo’s editorial experience and professional skills made him a natural leader in the newsroom.
Ali said, the job of an editor was highly demanding because editors worked under enormous pressure and were responsible for ensuring that stories were accurate and properly presented.
“Editors work under enormous pressure and editors cannot afford to make mistakes, either grammatical, typographical or even factual”.
He said Ojo’s ability to respond to calls and messages even at odd hours demonstrated his commitment to the agency and the demands of his position.
Ali also commended Ojo’s wife, Mrs Yetunde Ojo, for providing the necessary support that enabled him to excel in his career.
He described the outgoing editor-in-chief’s retirement as “see you later,” rather than goodbye, while wishing him fulfilment in the next chapter of his life.
Ali urged staff members, particularly younger journalists, to learn from Ojo’s professionalism and to maintain positive attitudes toward the agency and its management.
Responding, Ojo expressed appreciation to the management and staff members of NAN for the support and goodwill shown to him throughout his career.
Ojo, who has served as Editor-in-Chief for almost a year, particularly thanked Ali for his support and confidence in him.
The outgoing editor-in-chief also thanked editorial staff members across the nation for their support, gifts, kind words and other gestures extended to him during his tenure and retirement.
He appealed to staff members to extend the same support to his successor, Hajiya Hadiza Aliyu.
“She is a very strong-willed woman. Allow her to do her job and extend the same kind of support you gave me to her.
“The MD could not have made a better choice at a time like this. All she needs is the support from you guys,” he said.
Ojo also advised newly recruited staff members to take advantage of the supportive environment provided by the management to develop their careers.
He urged them to learn from their senior colleagues, saying the agency’s management had created an atmosphere for them to flourish.
“To our young recruits, I leave you in the hands of your seniors, who I believe will mentor you in love,” Ojo said.
He reminded them that getting a job was different from knowing how to perform it, urging them to take their professional development seriously.
“My people say you can help somebody to get a job; you can’t help the person to do it. A word is enough for the wise”.
Ojo also appreciated his wife of more than 30 years for supporting him throughout his career.
In a goodwill message, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, described Ojo’s career as one marked by professionalism, intellectual depth and commitment to high standards of news reporting.
Ebienfa said Ojo contributed to accurate, balanced and timely reporting that supported informed public discourse and Nigeria’s image both at home and internationally.
He wished Ojo good health, fulfilment and success as he begins a new chapter after his retirement from service.
“Throughout his years of service, Mr Ojo contributed meaningfully to accurate, balanced, and timely reporting that supports informed public discourse and Nigeria’s image both at home and internationally.”
NAN reports that the ceremony was attended by NAN management and staff members, media partners, friends, family members and other stakeholders.(NAN)
Tags: Diligence NAN MD Ojo Professionalism
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