Monarch hails LarryBash’s community interventions as NUJ executives pay courtesy visit
The newly inaugurated executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun West Independent Chapel, have paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota and Grand Patron of the chapel, with a charge to uphold the highest standards of professional journalism.
The visit, held at the palace of the Olota, was part of the new executive’s stakeholder engagement programme following the inauguration of the pioneer executive of the chapel.
Led by the Chairman, Comrade Olatunji Egbewunmi, the delegation formally presented the new executive members to the monarch.
Those introduced included the Secretary-General, Comrade Fashina Olugbenga; Financial Secretary, Comrade Shola; and Auditor, Comrade Oloyede.
Members of the chapel’s Electoral Committee also accompanied the delegation. The committee is led by Comrade Ayodele Olusanya, with Comrade Olumide as Secretary and Comrade Tope Bankole as Treasurer.
Addressing the journalists, the Olota emphasised the responsibility that comes with the journalism profession, urging members of the chapel to remain committed to credibility, professionalism and fairness.
The monarch stressed the importance of balanced reporting, urging journalists to always give adequate attention to all sides of an issue before publishing their reports.
He noted that journalists occupy an important position in society and therefore have a responsibility to inform the public accurately and responsibly.
The monarch also encouraged the new executive to use the chapel as a platform for professional development, unity and positive contribution to the growth of Ogun West.
A significant part of the interaction occurred when High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun, popularly known as LarryBash, who is the APC candidate for the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, was mentioned during the discussion.
Speaking about the High Chief, the Olota described him as one of his chiefs whom he holds in high regard.
The monarch spoke about what he described as LarryBash’s contributions to individuals and communities, including assistance with employment opportunities, financial support, educational assistance and empowerment.
According to the monarch, LarryBash has also played a supportive role in his reign and has been available to represent him on occasions when he was unable to attend personally.
Oba Obalanlege said he was grateful to God for giving him High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun as one of his chiefs, describing his contributions as positive to the traditional institution.
The monarch’s comments prompted members of the NUJ delegation to share their own experiences and observations concerning LarryBash’s community interventions.
One after another, members of the chapel spoke about what they had witnessed or reported concerning the High Chief’s interventions.
Some journalists recalled that they had written stories about his humanitarian activities and support for members of the community on several occasions.
One of the journalists jokingly remarked that he would prefer not to have LarryBash’s telephone number so that his frequent requests or calls would not be misunderstood as disturbing the High Chief.
Another journalist recalled having written more than five reports highlighting testimonies and community activities associated with LarryBash.
The comments generated an engaging interaction, with the journalists acknowledging that the interventions they had encountered were among the issues that had repeatedly attracted media attention.
Responding to the commendations, LarryBash thanked the journalists and the Olota for their kind words.
He explained that his involvement in community development did not begin with politics, but had been part of his activities over the years.
According to him, his father had also contributed to the development and welfare of their community for many years, making community service a value that had been passed down within the family.
LarryBash said his interventions were his own way of contributing to the development and wellbeing of his people.
He told the journalists to remember his words and hold him accountable for his commitments.
The APC candidate said he would, if elected, seek to bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people of the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, while assuring that his focus would remain on the needs and development of the constituency.
The visit provided an opportunity for the newly inaugurated Ogun West Independent Chapel executive to receive royal guidance while strengthening its relationship with the traditional institution.
For the journalists, the engagement also reinforced the importance of responsible reporting, balanced journalism and constructive interaction with stakeholders.
As the chapel begins its new chapter under the leadership of Comrade Olatunji Egbewunmi, the Olota’s charge places professional credibility and responsible journalism at the centre of its mandate, while the discussion on community development highlighted the continuing interaction between the media, traditional institutions and the wider society.
