Yesterday i received the Excellence in Innovation Award in recognition of Advancing the Cause of Ageing in Nigeria and Enhancing the Dignity ,Wellbeing and Opportunities for Older Persons” from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (:NUJ:) FCT Council. I am very grateful to God my Help and to NUJ FCT Council – the chairman and management team. It was very honoring for me to be very warmly welcomed by members to their 2025 End of year celebration.
In my work as founding Executive Director of Dave Omokaro Foundation as researcher, scholar , older persons Rights’ advocate, trainer in courses in ageing since 2012 and policy maker, planner, implementer in my capacity as a public servant in the field of ageing 2021-2025, I found my interactions, partnership and friendship with NUJ both needful and very valuable.
It is delightfully helpful to have NUJ constantly affirm the Union’s appreciation of my passion, the uphill efforts, the frustrations and above all the measurable progress recorded as the pioneer in the field. NUJ has always: magnified my voice, the human rights situation of older persons and mobilized citizens to change negative stereotypes about old age and older persons.
I recall the Media and Ageing Master Class- to train members of NUJ FCT Council by the Dave Omokaro Foundation in collaboration with International Institute on Ageing UN Malta- 2020. and the establishment of Journalists Network For Ageing in Nigeria.
I wish to recall that while in office as Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre ( NSCC), the National Office of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) presented me the NUJ ´Innovative Leadership’ AWARD in “recognition of my groundbreaking work in advancing the Silver Economy in Nigeria”, which focuses on enhancing the dignity, wellbeing, and opportunities for older persons through transformative programmes in the field of ageing, 7th May 2025.
This award in Dec 2025 is a confirmation of NUJ ‘s good will and faith in my legacy work . I am excited and very humbled. Thank you #NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel, led by Comrade Felix Ojo.
The International Federation on Ageing
International Institute on Ageing, United Nations – Malta – INIA
United Nations DESA Division folr Inclusive Social Development – DISD
UN Women