All arrangements have been concluded for the commencement of the 2025 Press Week Pen-Ganza celebrations of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), with a rich line-up of activities designed to promote journalists’ welfare, professional excellence and stronger engagement with key stakeholders.
The week-long event will begin on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with a Church Thanksgiving Service at Favoured Generation Prophetic Mission, Fanibi Area, Akure, by 9:00am.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the 2025 Press Week Committee, Mr Banjo Egunjobi, and the Secretary, Mr Jacob Akintunde, activities will continue on Monday, December 15, with a free medical outreach for journalists, veteran journalists and their spouses at the Press Centre Clinic by 10:00am. This will be followed by a charity visit to the Ondo State Children’s Correctional Centre, Akure, at 2:00pm.
The medical outreach, organised in collaboration with the Ondo State Health Commission, will feature health talks, blood pressure checks, fasting blood sugar tests and other medical screenings aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of journalists in the state.
The Opening Ceremony, Symposium and Public Lecture will hold on Tuesday, December 16, at the NUJ Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure. Special guests expected include Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande; the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Ogun; and the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku. The event will be chaired by Hon. (Dr) Isaacs Kekemeke.
Lead speakers at the symposium include Dr Jide Adewinle, Ondo State representative on the Board of the South-West Development Commission; Mr Wale Akinterinwa, former Commissioner for Finance; Prince Biyi Poroye, Chairman of OSOPADEC; and APC chieftain, Chief Jamiu Ekungba. The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will serve as Chief Host, while the Ondo State NUJ Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, will host the occasion.
The theme of the 2025 Press Week is “Innovative Pathways for Journalists Amidst Economic, Security and Political Challenges.”
Other activities lined up include a Health Walk/Great Trek and Love Feast on Wednesday, December 17; Novelty Match and Inter-Chapel Football Final, as well as Ila/Iasun Night on Thursday, December 18, powered by the Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN.
A Jumat Service will hold on Friday, December 19, at the Government House Mosque, Alagbaka, while the Press Week Children’s Party will take place the same day at the Press Centre. The Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, will be the Mother of the Day, with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, as Special Guest of Honour.
Indoor games finals, sponsored by the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, will take place on Saturday, December 20. The celebrations will climax on Sunday, December 21, with the Pen-Ganza Grand Finale and Award Night at the NUJ Press Centre.
Dignitaries expected at various events include the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kehinde Fasoranti; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo; members of the State Executive Council; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan; and the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Olapade, among others.
Those to be honoured at the Pen-Ganza and Award Night include Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); global security expert, Mr Olufemi Olugbenga Meshe; Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocols, Alhaji Mudashiru Adegbeha; and businessman, Mr Olugbenga Olayinka.
Other award recipients are philanthropist Otunba Yomi Akingbade; media expert and Director of Media at NARSDA, Dr Felix Babatunde Ale; Director-General, Ondo State, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin; and Hon. (Otunba) Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, member representing Ondo West Constituency I.
The NUJ leadership said the 2025 Press Week will offer journalists the opportunity to reflect on their professional responsibilities, celebrate excellence, strengthen networks, and enhance their health and capacity for service.
