Journalist and broadcaster with the Ogun State Television (OGTV), Margaret Ayooluwa Okunlola, has been honoured as the Outstanding Youth of the Year 2025 in the Conventional Media category by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun State Chapter.
Okunlola received the award on Thursday at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by the NYCN, Ogun State Chapter, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The recognition was in acknowledgement of her professionalism, dedication to duty, commitment to excellence and contributions to the development of Ogun State through journalism and broadcasting.
According to the organisers, the award also recognises Okunlola as a positive example to young people and acknowledges her contributions to the growth and development of the state through the media.
Presenting the award, the NYCN Ogun State Chapter expressed confidence that the recognition would further encourage the journalist to sustain her contributions to the media industry and continue to make positive impacts in the state.
Speaking after receiving the award, Okunlola gave glory to God and expressed appreciation to her family, colleagues, mentors and everyone who had contributed to her professional journey.
She described the recognition as a significant milestone, noting that the support, prayers and sacrifices of her family had played an important role in her career.
Okunlola also expressed gratitude to the management and staff of OGTV, describing the station as a platform that had enabled her to explore, innovate and maintain high professional standards in journalism, media and digital broadcasting.
She commended journalists across the broadcast, print and digital media for their resilience in the face of the demands of the profession, urging them to continue to uphold professionalism and ensure that only factual and verified information is disseminated to the public.
The award recipient also acknowledged her role as the OGTV Correspondent to the Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, saying the opportunity had contributed significantly to her growth and recognition in the media profession.
She appreciated the support and mentorship received from individuals and professionals who had contributed to her development, including Mr. Hafeez Oyetoro and his family, the Soaga family, Bashorun Festus Kehinde, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Civil Service, Mr. Dipo Ogunfowora.
Okunlola further acknowledged the guidance and leadership of her bosses and mentors, including Mr. Biodun Alabi, Mr. Tunde Sodeke, Mr. Bunmi Adigun, Miss Mojisola Solaja, Mr. Kayode Taiwo, Mrs. Bisi Alarape, Mr. Tunde Olaniran, Mr. Dele Obadimu, as well as the late Bukola Agbakaizu and Alhaji Akeem Akintunde.
She also recognised the contributions of Mr. Yemi Olatunji and Mr. Quazeem to her multimedia development, particularly in video editing.
The journalist dedicated part of her appreciation to members of the OGTV Newsroom and camera operators, acknowledging their teamwork, technical expertise and dedication to field reporting.
She also appreciated her colleagues in the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, as well as her friends and associates for their support throughout her professional journey.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of awards received by Okunlola in her journalism and broadcasting career.
Her previous recognitions include:
Staff of the Year 2021 (Reportorial), News & Current Affairs Directorate, OGTV.
Reporter of the Year 2024, Education Category (Broadcast), Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council.
Outstanding Youth of the Year 2025 (Conventional Media – OGTV), National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter.
Okunlola described the latest award not merely as an honour but as a call to higher service, pledging to continue delivering verified, impactful and excellent reportage despite the growing demands and competition within the media landscape.
She urged media practitioners to remain committed to professionalism, accuracy and responsible journalism in the interest of society.
