Loveth Ajakaiye and Christian Emmanuel
The 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony and Fundraising for Digital Journalism Tools, organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, was held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Sani Abacha Hall, Old Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
The event, themed “Creating Value, Transforming Lives: Cavista’s Commitment to the Future of Ekiti State”
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders, dignitaries, and media professionals to discuss the role of technology in transforming journalism in Ekiti State and to celebrate individuals who have made impactful contributions to the state.
The event began with the arrival of dignitaries, which included prominent personalities such as Mr. Raphael Ogbonnaiye, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists; Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, the Former Commissioner and State Secretary of the PDP; the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the State Commissioner for information,Rt Hon.Taiwo Olatunbosun , the Special Adviser on Media to the governor,Mr Olayinka Oyebode and Mr. John Olajide, CEO of Cavista, who was also represented at the event by Alhaji Dauda Lawal.
The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Raphael Ogbonnaiye, the Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, who welcomed everyone and thanked them for their presence. In his address, he explained the purpose of the annual event, which included “a lecture, awards presentation, and fundraising for digital journalism tools”
He highlighted” the importance of supporting the growth of digital journalism in the state “and solicited both financial and material support from the guests to help enhance journalism in Ekiti.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Mr. John Olajide, the founder and CEO of Cavista Holding Ltd. In his speech, Mr. Olajide’s entrepreneurial journey and philanthropic efforts were discussed, with particular emphasis on his contributions to the development of Ekiti State.
“As an entrepreneur, investor, and global community leader, Mr. Olajide has been at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at driving growth in the state”.
Mr. Olajide’s speech further explored Cavista’s role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Ekiti State.
The Ikogosi Resort, a popular tourist destination, was highlighted as one of Cavista’s success stories.
“The resort had won two major awards in 2013 and 2014, signifying its role in boosting tourism in the state”. Mr. Olajide also shared Cavista’s ambitious plan “to cultivate 100 acres of cassava farmland in Ekiti, which had already begun with the cultivation of several acres.”
One of Cavista’s primary visions, as emphasized in the speech, is to create jobs for the youth of Ekiti. Mr. Olajide outlined Cavista’s threefold mission: 1) to create jobs, 2) to create more jobs, and 3) to create even more jobs in Ekiti State.
He also announced plans to build a 600-capacity cassava processing plant in the state, which would further enhance job creation and boost the agricultural sector.
“Mr. Olajide’s commitment to youth development was further demonstrated by Cavista’s support for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ekiti. As part of their efforts to promote digital literacy and capacity building, Cavista donated 12 laptops to the NYSC. This gesture reflects the company’s belief in the potential of young people to drive positive change in the state.”
Several individuals were honored during the event for their outstanding contributions to the development of Ekiti State.
The Special adviser on media to the governor, Oyebode in his good will message said “The awards were presented as part of the ceremony to recognize the efforts of these individuals in various sectors that align with the state’s growth objectives. These awards served as a testament to the positive impact of these contributors on the socio-economic progress of the state.
“The 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony and Fundraising for Digital Journalism Tools was a resounding success, bringing together media professionals, government officials, and business leaders to discuss the future of Ekiti State and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions.”