By Adebayo Yusuf
In recognition and appreciation of their professional inclination toward the reportage of issues concerning the senior citizens, the Nigeria union of Pensioners, southwest zone has honoured three top of the class media outfits.
The awardees media hubs include a foremost newspaper in Nigeria, The Nigeria Tribune, World class television outfit, Channels Television and the first private television station in Nigeria, Galaxy Television.
While congratulating the award-winning media outfits, Southwest Chairman of NUP, Comrade Waheed Oloyede, noted that the union knows the crucial role the media have played over the year in its various struggles towards improved welfare for Pensioners.
Before going into the main event of the day, one minute silence was also observed in honour of departed pensioners and comrades.
In his welcome address, the National President, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mazi Godwin Abumisi appreciated the executive members of the southwest for their mouth-watering achievements so far, and urged the union never to relent.
Mazi Abumisi also called on the government to always review pensions regularly.
On his part, Public Relation Officer of Southwest Zone, NUP, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, lamented how the removal of fuel subsidy has worsened the living condition of pensioners.
Comrade Abatan further described as irrelevant the requirements proposed by the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, NASSCO, for pensioners to receive wage awards.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman South West Zone, Comrade Waheed Oloyede, appreciated all the state councils for their cooperation and enthusiasm towards the growth of NUP.
Comrade Oloyede also appealed to the government, especially at the state level to take practical steps in addressing the challenges caused by the sudden removal of fuel subsidy which has brought hardship to its members.
Highpoint of the Gala night was the award presentation to three media houses, Channels Television, Nigerian Tribune and Galaxy Television.
Representing the Nigeria Tribune, Head of its legal team, Barrister Wole Efunuga, the Oyo bureau Chief, Mrs Bukola Oriowo represented Channels Television and Galaxy Television was represented by a Senior reporter, Mr Segun Falomo.
The three media houses promised to continue in doing more in reporting issues concerning Pensioners in Oyo state, southwest and across Nigeria.
The event was rounded off with sumptuous meals, drinks and dancing to soft old rhythms from the music box of a disc jockey.
Dignitaries present at the event includes, General Secretary, NUP, South West Zone, Elder Actor Zal, Treasurer, NUP, South West Zone, Comrade Lawrence Aina and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo state council, Chief Isiaka Abolade, Assistant Secretary, Oyo NUP, Comrade Banji Koleoso and Chairman, Retired Primary School Teachers, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu.
