Three journalists on Thursday, in Abuja, bagged awards of excellence at the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, end of year party and award ceremony.
Tola Akinmutimi, Publisher of BRTNews.ng, Muplang Dakok of Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, and Abiodun Dare of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, bagged the awards for their excellent reportage of statistical news.
Some staff members of the bureau also got awards for their exceptional service during the year.
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Simon Harry, said the journalists had been exceptional in the coverage of the agency and in reporting statistical issues.
Represented by Mr Emeka Aziwe, Director, Finance and Accounts department, he urged other journalists to take a cue from them and excel in their profession so they could also be considered for such award.
Dakok, one of the recipients, said she was honoured to have been recognised by the bureau for the effort put in reporting statistics.
“One thing that I know is key is that more is expected of me and I hope I am able to do better than I did in the past one year.”
Dare of FRCN also said that the award serves as a motivation for him, having been recognised without expecting it.
“I thank the management of the NBS for this recognition and hope to do my bit in providing clear reportage on statistics and business in general.”
Akinmutimi appreciated NBS for the recognition of hard work and journalists’ commitment to the standardisation of the Nigerian statistical system.
He dedicated the award to all journalists, especially the younger ones and others covering statistics-oriented agencies.
Mr Kehinde Adeputi, Head of Training and Staff Welfare and Chairman, Planning Committee, said that the ceremony was one of many ways to encourage a positive work culture in the organisation.
According to him, during the Statistician-General’s assumption of duty speech, he had outlined staff welfare as one of the measures he planned to initiate to ensure that staff were appreciated.
“One of such plans to be re-introduced, which can also improve productivity and healthy competition, is the recognition of outstanding staff and awarding them.
“To this end, a committee was set up to look into hosting an award ceremony for staff after many years.
“Today, which also doubles as our end of year celebration, marks a fulfilment of a promise we are here to be a witness to,” he said.
Source: NAN
