The award was presented to the veteran journalist, a former national officer of the union who served as Zonal Secretary between 2006 and 2009, during the celebration of 50 years of journalism practice in Ogun State.
The event was held on Saturday, 31 October 2026, in Abeokuta.
The council said the award was part of activities marking its five decades of commitment to ethical journalism, press freedom, public enlightenment, democratic governance and socio-economic development in the state.
The citation accompanying the award read: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists Ogun State Council presents the award to Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Founder, Penpushing Media, as Golden Jubilee Ambassador in commemoration of the union’s five decades of unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, press freedom, public enlightenment, democratic governance and socio-economic development in Ogun State.”
Speaking on the significance of the recognition, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, said the awards were designed to recognise excellence, celebrate outstanding service and honour individuals and institutions whose contributions had positively influenced their respective fields and the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.
“The personalities being honoured tonight represent the values of leadership, service, innovation, philanthropy, professional excellence, public accountability and commitment to humanity.
“Our decision to celebrate them is a recognition that the development of society is a collective responsibility and that remarkable contributions deserve to be acknowledged,” he said.
Olanrewaju added that while journalists had a responsibility to hold individuals and institutions accountable, society should also recognise those whose contributions had made a positive difference.
“As journalists, we understand that society must not only hold people accountable for their responsibilities; it must also recognise and celebrate those who have distinguished themselves through selfless service and positive impact.
“To our award recipients, this honour is both an appreciation of your achievements and an encouragement to do even more. We celebrate you, and we urge you to continue to be worthy ambassadors of excellence and positive change,” he said.
The NUJ chairman also highlighted the challenges confronting the journalism profession, including artificial intelligence, digital disruption, misinformation, declining public trust and emerging threats to press freedom.
He urged journalists to prepare for the changing media landscape and take a leading role in shaping its future.
“We must defend truth without fear, uphold professional ethics without compromise, protect press freedom without abandoning responsibility and continually earn the confidence of the public through credible, balanced and responsible journalism,” Olanrewaju said.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, he expressed the council’s ambition to build an institution that would be stronger, professionally outstanding, economically empowered, technologically advanced and united in purpose.
He described the golden jubilee as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of past and present journalists while strengthening the profession for future generations.
“Let this Golden Jubilee inspire us to preserve our heritage, strengthen our present and secure a more glorious future.
“Distinguished guests, today, we celebrate more than 50 years of an organisation. We celebrate 50 years of voices that have informed, challenged, enlightened and shaped society. We celebrate the sacrifices of those who came before us, the commitment of those serving today and the aspirations of those who will carry the torch tomorrow,” he said.
Olanrewaju, on behalf of the council’s leadership and membership, thanked guests and stakeholders for participating in the historic celebration and expressed optimism about the union’s future.
Kayode-Adedeji pledges continued support for NUJ
In his response, Kayode-Adedeji expressed appreciation to the Ogun NUJ Council for the recognition, describing the award as an affirmation of his continued relevance to the journalism profession.
He recalled that he left office as the union’s Zonal Secretary 17 years ago, saying the recognition had further encouraged him to maintain his commitment to the organisation.
The award recipient, who also serves as Welfare Officer of the League of Veteran Journalists in Ogun State and Global Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA), said the honour would motivate him to continue contributing to the growth of the union.
“I want to express my appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists for this Golden Jubilee Ambassador Award. I left office 17 years ago as Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and your consideration of me for this award goes a long way in my journalism career,” he said.
He added that the recognition demonstrated that the union still considered him relevant, despite having left its national leadership structure several years ago.
“From my own interpretation, it shows that the Nigeria Union of Journalists still sees me as relevant, and I am profusely grateful.
“As I used to say, and I want to repeat it publicly again, whatever success I have in journalism, I cannot detach the union from it,” he said.
Kayode-Adedeji pledged not to relent in supporting the union whenever the opportunity arose, adding that he remained committed to giving back to the organisation that had contributed to his professional development.
“I will not stop supporting the Nigeria Union of Journalists whenever the opportunity arises. I will continue to give back to the union and try not to derail from this pledge.
“Thank you so much, and God bless all,” he said.
