as Organizers Honour Personalities with Awards
Stakeholders in the sporting and Media world as well as eminent personalities from far and near, converged on Saturday in Oyo town for the Grand finale of the Dayo Ojo Okocha 20 Years Sports Journalism Anniversary.
The event, held at the St Mary’s Callister Hall , St Bernadine’s Girls Grammar School, featured award presentation, live sports presentation and the final game of the Veterans Football Competition. Wesley Ambassadors frm Ibadan emerged champions, defeating Akinyele Living Legends by a lone goal in the keenly contested final match.
Speaking at the event, Chief Host, Member Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, lauded the attendees for the show of love extended to the celebrant.
Hon . Adeyemi, who was among the awardees , also commended the celebrant for paving way for current leading sports journalists in Oyo town and upcoming ones to thrive in the field. He assured Mr Dayo Ojo of his continued support in all the media or sporting activities he may embark on in the future.
” Our friendship started almost thirty – one years ago . Okocha entered into sports journalism not because of money. For years in NTA Oyo, Dayo Ojo anchored sports programs , which I used to feature as an analyst, then , he was not paid a dime! No remuneration, yet he did his best .
“When I became the Chairman of Atiba Local Government in 2007, that time, we sponsored his sports program. So, Okocha has sacrificed a lot , and I congratulate him for doing a great job”
Also speaking , the Chairman of the Occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, Ace Supermarket Nigeria, Akogun Yinka Afonja, ably represented by his immediate brother, Mr Gbite Afonja, expressed delight in the expertise of most sports presenters in Oyo state, including the celebrant, Dayo Ojo ,whom he described as a worthy ambassador that has made his mark in the profession.
Akogun Afonja bestowed with an award at the event, urged the sports presenters not to rest on their oars but to keep the flag flying so as to encourage the upcoming ones.
Speaking shortly after receiving his award, President, Ex- Ibadan Professional Footballers Association, Comrade Temitope Obideyi showered encomium on the celebrant who has been a friend and brother for a very long time.
He congratulated him for the milestone and assured of his continued support for development of sports in the state.
In his remarks , the celebrant, Dayo Ojo, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God and everyone who has identified with him on this anniversary and his milestone in sports journalism over the years. He prayed for success and prosperity for them in all their respective endeavors.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Anniversary Planning Committee, Adedamola Adegoke, expressed profound appreciation to the guests , media partners and awardees for their presence and support, noting that the celebration reflects the strong relationships the celebrant has built over the years.
He noted that the awardees were carefully selected based on their contributions to sports development, community growth, and consistent support for the celebrant, describing the recognition as well deserved.
Personalities also awarded at the event included Senator ( Dr) Yunus Akintunde, represented by his Special Assistant, Hon Biodun Adeyemo, Hull City’s forward,Babajide Akintola, Canada based Oluwashina Ojediran Emmy Tee and renowned political Analyst, Israel based Olumide Ajeigbe David.
Late Ajisafe Babes Coach, Mr Agbaje Balogun was presented a Post Humous Award while award of recognition was also presented to Shola Awujoola , popularly known as Solebo, Mr Adetunji Yinusa a.k.a Computer ,Chief Atayese Ojo Dauda, Maya communications, Alhaji Adebayo Yekeen- ( Adebash ) Eyitayo foods among others .
The event was anchored by Ramon Aderibigbe of the Agbara Sports fame , dynasty FM and Babatunde Akanji Arugbo Sports of Oyomesi FM Oyo.
