In recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Oyo State, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Dhikrullahi Olajide, the federal lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in Sports Development by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter.
The award was presented by the Chairman of the association in Oyo State, Ayomiku Ajibola.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Hon. Olajide described the award as a significant honour and commended SWAN for considering him worthy among many deserving individuals.
“It is a huge honour. There are a lot of people out there, but you chose to honour me. I do not take this for granted,” he stated.
Hon. Olajide, who humbly referred to himself as “just a storekeeper,” advised the association to be mindful of the individuals they recognize, stressing the need for integrity in award-giving.
“Be watchful of who you give awards to. There are questionable characters out there. Your institution is very powerful, and I hold the media in high regard,” he noted.
Reflecting on journalism’s golden era, he paid tribute to veteran journalists like Yanju Adegbite, Feyi Ogunduyile, and Fabio Lanipekun, praising their commitment to truth and integrity.
Hon. Olajide also spoke on the challenges in Nigeria, urging journalists to remain steadfast as the last hope of the common man, while calling on politicians to uphold accountability and credibility in governance.
Acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting his constituents and emphasized the importance of financial independence in public service.
“I have a second address, and that is why I have been able to sustain taking care of my people. In the spirit of the season, we are giving out within our utmost best because there is hunger in the land,” he stated.
