Monarch Commends LarryBash’s Community Contributions as New Chapel Executive Pays Courtesy Visit
His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota and Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun West Independent Chapel, has charged journalists to uphold professionalism, credibility and balanced reporting in the discharge of their duties.
The monarch gave the charge when the newly elected executive members of the NUJ Ogun West Independent Chapel paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ota.
The visit formed part of the activities of the newly inaugurated executive as it begins engagement with key stakeholders and institutions within Ogun West.
Leading the delegation, the Chairman of the chapel, Comrade Olatunji Egbewunmi, formally introduced the new executive members to the monarch.
The delegation included the Secretary-General, Comrade Fashina Olugbenga; Financial Secretary, Comrade Shola; and Auditor, Comrade Oloyede.
Also on the entourage were members of the chapel’s Electoral Committee, led by Comrade Ayodele Olusanya. Other members of the committee included Comrade Omoh, Secretary, and Comrade Tope Bankole, Treasurer.
Receiving the journalists, the Olota congratulated the newly elected executive and encouraged them to uphold the ethics and principles of professional journalism.
The monarch stressed that journalists must recognise the importance of credibility in their profession and ensure that their reports are based on facts, fairness and responsible presentation of information.
He particularly urged the NUJ to always give balanced reports, stressing the need for journalists to provide the public with credible information and ensure that relevant sides of an issue are adequately represented.
Oba Obalanlege also encouraged the new executive to use its tenure to promote unity, professionalism and the development of its members and the wider society.
During the interaction, the journalists also discussed the activities of High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun, popularly known as LarryBash, who was present at the palace.
LarryBash, who is the APC candidate for the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, was spoken about in the context of his community activities and relationship with the traditional institution.
Responding, the Olota described LarryBash as one of his chiefs whom he holds in high regard.
The monarch spoke of several areas in which he said the High Chief had supported people within the community, including employment opportunities, financial assistance, educational support and empowerment initiatives.
According to the Olota, LarryBash had also demonstrated his loyalty to the traditional institution by representing him on occasions when he was unable to attend events personally.
Oba Obalanlege said he thanked God for giving him High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun as one of his own, describing him as a positive factor in his reign.
The monarch further expressed his belief that LarryBash’s experience and involvement in community development would be brought to bear in his aspiration to represent the people of the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency.
Speaking during the interaction, LarryBash expressed appreciation to the Olota and members of the NUJ Ogun West Independent Chapel for their kind words and recognition of his community activities.
He explained that his commitment to supporting his people did not begin with politics, noting that he had been contributing to his community for several years.
According to him, community service is a value he inherited from his father, who he said had also supported the development and welfare of their community over the years.
LarryBash said his own contributions were motivated by his desire to give back to his people and contribute to the development of the community.
He also told the journalists to hold him accountable for his words, assuring them of his commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy closer to the people of Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency if elected.
He said his intention was to ensure that the people of the constituency feel the impact of representation through meaningful development and people-oriented initiatives.
New Executive Begins Stakeholder Engagement
The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for the newly elected leadership of the NUJ Ogun West Independent Chapel to formally introduce itself to the traditional institution and receive royal guidance as it begins its tenure.
The engagement also reaffirmed the relationship between the chapel and the Olota, who serves as its Grand Patron.
The visit ended with further interaction between the monarch, the chapel executive and other stakeholders, with the new leadership reiterating its commitment to professional journalism, responsible reporting, unity and constructive engagement with the people and institutions of Ogun West.
