The executive director of News and producer of TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Babajide Kolade Otitoju, has been conferred with the 2026 Ekirin-Adde Grand Star Award — the highest distinction the Ekirin-Adde community bestows on an indigene.
The award was presented during the grand finale of the Ekirin-Adde Cultural Celebration and Development Fundraising held over the weekend in Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.
HRH Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu, the Paramount Ruler of Ekirin-Adde, said the honor recognizes Otitoju’s selfless contributions to the growth of the community and his consistent promotion of its values, culture, and image through journalism. The monarch urged other sons and daughters of Ekirin-Adde to emulate his commitment to service.
Visibly moved, Otitoju — popularly known as BKO — called the award one of the greatest honors of his life. He noted that the planning committee had kept it a surprise despite his active role in organizing the event. “This award will inspire me to do even more for my community,” he told journalists after the ceremony.
The Grand Star Award is reserved for only one recipient each year, which Otitoju said made the 2026 recognition especially meaningful. He thanked the Ekirin-Adde Association, the traditional institution, and indigenes at home and abroad for their support, adding that he remains focused on mobilizing unity, peace, and collective sacrifice for sustainable development.
Push for ₦750M in Community Projects
Otitoju used the occasion to rally support for Ekirin-Adde’s ongoing ₦750 million development drive, which targets critical infrastructure gaps. He cited inadequate schools, teacher shortages, and poor road networks as urgent challenges.
He praised the Old Students’ Association for sponsoring teachers to fill manpower gaps and encouraged other indigenes to launch similar interventions. “Government alone cannot provide every needed facility. There are roads that individuals can construct for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Charge to Youth and Diaspora
Speaking directly to young people, Otitoju emphasized hard work, honesty, creativity, and innovation. “There are many journalists, but what makes the difference is creativity, integrity, and dedication,” he said. He also urged youths to uphold family values, preserve their cultural heritage, and protect the community’s reputation.
He appealed to Ekirin-Adde indigenes in Nigeria and the diaspora to stay connected to their roots and contribute to development efforts, no matter how small.
Otitoju closed by congratulating everyone who made the cultural celebration and fundraising successful, expressing confidence that unity and collective commitment will bring greater progress to Ekirin-Adde.
