By Peter Dansu It was a day of honour and celebration in Badagry on Friday, August 29, as Mr. Raji Razak, the Badagry District Corresponden...
It was a day of honour and celebration in Badagry on Friday, August 29, as Mr. Raji Razak, the Badagry District Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was decorated with the Outstanding Community Relations Journalist of the Year Award by Conference 57, the umbrella body of Chief Press Secretaries across Lagos State’s 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The prestigious award ceremony took place at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, and was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, and the Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode.
Mr. Razak, who has served as NAN’s voice in Badagry for over a decade, was recognised for his unwavering commitment to grassroots journalism, his ability to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens, and his efforts in strengthening the bond between the media and the community.
Presenting the plaque, Hon. Hunpe commended Razak for his professional excellence, noting that his reportage had consistently projected the image of Badagry in positive light while holding leadership accountable.
“Mr. Razak has not only reported the news, he has become a bridge between government and the governed. His dedication to community journalism stands as a model for younger reporters,” Hunpe remarked.
In his response, the visibly elated Razak expressed gratitude to Conference 57 for the recognition, describing the award as both humbling and motivating.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award. For me, journalism is a calling to serve the people, to tell their stories, and to ensure their concerns reach the right ears. This recognition is a reminder that community journalism still matters, and I dedicate it to the resilient people of Badagry who inspire my work daily,” he said.
The Conference 57 Award has become a benchmark for recognising outstanding contributions of media practitioners working closely with grassroots governments in Lagos State. This year’s event, hosted in Badagry, not only celebrated professionalism but also highlighted the importance of collaboration between journalists and local administrations in driving development.
As Mr. Razak walked off the stage to thunderous applause, many in the audience agreed that the honour was well-deserved — a recognition of a journalist who has, for years, been the voice of his people.
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