By Adesakin Adefemi
Wednesday, 20th May 2026 will remain a landmark day for the Nigeria Union of Journalists as the Wale Olanrewaju-led Ogun State Council celebrated the retirement of two veteran journalists in a ceremony marked by tributes to excellence and service.
The event honoured Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the first journalist to rise to the position of Head of Service in Ogun State, and Mr. Tunde Kassim, former General Manager of OGTV. Both men were recognized for decades of dedication to journalism and public service.
The occasion drew a gathering of eminent personalities from within and outside the state. National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, travelled from Abuja to attend the historic event and show solidarity with the Ogun Council.
Also present were members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, labour leaders, general managers, directors, the League of Veterans, Ogun NUJ State Executive Council members, and chairmen and secretaries of Lagos and Oyo NUJ councils. Elders, leaders, and members of the journalism profession also turned out in large numbers.
A highlight of the ceremony was the formal decoration of Mr. Kehinde Onasanya as a Fellow of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FNUJ. The honour acknowledged his pioneering role in journalism and his contributions to public administration in Ogun State.
Beyond the conferment, the Union extended gestures of goodwill and support to both Onasanya and Kassim. The initiative was supported by the Union’s Patroness, Chief Mrs. Mojisola Oni Quadri, the Ibuso Aje of Egbaland and Chief Executive Officer of ONI Electronics.
Ogun NUJ Secretary Bunmi Adigun, in a statement after the event, said the Union was grateful for the turnout and support from dignitaries across the profession and public service. He noted that their presence underscored the respect both honorees commanded.
The ceremony was framed not only as a retirement celebration but also as a tribute to integrity, dedication, and selfless service to humanity and the media profession. Speakers described the honorees as role models whose careers exemplified the values of journalism.
Organizers said the legacies of Onasanya and Kassim would continue to inspire younger journalists and media professionals across Ogun State and beyond. The event closed with calls for sustained mentorship and commitment to ethical journalism in the state.
