Adeboye Ado, a member of staff of the Corporate Communications Unit of the newly licensed first private University in Akoko Land of Ondo State, Nigeria, Sam Maris University (SMU), Supare-Akoko has won the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Grassroots Reporter of the Year Award.

The Ondo State Council of the NUJ honoured the Reporter with the Award at its 2023 Press Week themed “Place of the Media in Times of Socio-Economic Predicaments & Ondo State Politics” held in Akure, the State capital.

Speaking at the conspicuously gorgeous event, the NUJ Chairman in the State, Prince Leke Adegbite, extolled the virtues and professional conduct of Journalists in the Sunshine State, and noted that the theme for the Press Week was carefully couched.

"We chose this theme as it borders on the economic situation of the country and its resultant effects on the Nigerian citizenry. As media practitioners, our duty should be to educate the general public through unbiased reportage on the efforts of the Government to revamp the economy rather than joining the band wagon of lamenters. It should also be our responsibility to make recommendations on policies that will alleviate the suffering of the well-meaning Nigerians to Government.”

Speaking in respect of issues connected with the Ondo State politics, Adegbite applauded his colleagues for reporting events in the State diligently.

"On Ondo State politics, we all know that it is a double-barreled phenomenon - the absence of Mr Governor, the impeachment process initiated against the Deputy Governor, and the game plan towards the upcoming governorship election in the State. I commend our colleagues because you have been discreet and fair to all parties in your reportage. There is no gainsaying the fact that we are doing well, and demonstrating professionalism in the way we handle our jobs.”

Adegbite also lauded Awardees including the Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, and the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, for their meritorious service and contributions to the development of Ondo State.

In his response, Adeboye Ado who doubles as the Secretary of Federated Chapel of Ondo NUJ and recipient of the Grassroots Reporter of the Year Award, said “This award holds a special place in my heart, and I am truly humbled to be acknowledged by our Union. I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire NUJ community for this meaningful gesture.”

“I dedicate this accolade to the memory of my late father, High Chief Adesegun Ado, whose unwavering support and guidance have been a constant source of inspiration. His legacy and the values he instilled in me live on in my commitment to journalism.”

“I also wish to express my appreciation to the NUJ family in promoting excellence in journalism and keeping the sanctity of the core values of journalism.”

“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, mentors, and the entire journalism community. This award does not only reflect my personal efforts but also the collective passion we share for the noble profession of journalism.”

“Once again, thank you for this honor. I am inspired to continue contributing to the field and upholding the principles that the NUJ represents.”

Apart from this award, Adeboye Ado had won several other awards to his credit such as the Akinogun Alaba Yusuf Foundation Best Reporter of the Year 2020 and The Press Council, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Chapter Best Publisher Award in 2021 and 2022.