NUJ Lagos Decorates Obasa As Media Games Ambassador

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has decorated the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, as its Media Games Ambassador ahead of the 2026 NUJ Media Games billed to hold from October 5 to October 10 at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

The decoration ceremony was held at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi, said Hon. Obasa was carefully selected in recognition of his outstanding leadership and remarkable strides in grassroots development.

"Your administration has continued to set a commendable standard through people-oriented policies, strategic investments in community infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of residents.

"These giant strides have earned you admiration across different sectors and have positioned Agege as a model of progressive local governance.

"One of the hallmarks of your leadership is your strong commitment to grassroots sports development.

"Your administration understands the transformative power of sports in promoting youth engagement, talent discovery, healthy living, and social cohesion.

"Through deliberate investments in sporting infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives, you have demonstrated that sustainable community development begins with hempowering young people and providing them with opportunities to excel.

"It is in recognition of these exceptional contributions that the NUJ Sports Committee carefully selected you as one of the distinguished Media Games Ambassadors.

"This honour is reserved for individuals whose commitment to sports development and community advancement aligns with the vision of the Media Games," Ajayi said.

Responding, Hon.Obasa applauded the gesture by the NUJ, describing the union as a professional body he was proud to be associated with.

"I feel very excited and honoured to be recognised for the work we have continued to do.

"I want to thank journalists for the great work they are doing in the country. Without journalists, the volume of work we do would not be known or visible to the public. 

"I appreciate the media for beaming its searchlight on our activities and we will continue to do more for our community by engaging youths through sports.

"Sports also provide opportunities for people to earn a living, as seen in the United Kingdom and this will, in turn, have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy.

"Here in Agege Local Government, we remain committed to contributing to community development through sports. We have initiated several programmes that have attracted participants from different parts of the country and we are working towards making Agege the face of sports in Lagos and indeed, Nigeria.

"We have sustained these efforts for the past four years through initiatives such as the Obasa Games and the Obasa Summer Games, all aimed at ensuring young people remain meaningfully engaged within the community.

"We will be glad to support the Media Games because we are proud to be associated with anything that promotes sports in Lagos and Nigeria.

"Our facilities at the Agege Stadium will be available for the Media Games and we will be part of the event," he assured.

Hon. Obasa also revealed that the local government would commence its maiden Lagos Mini Football League on July 31, describing it as the first of its kind in the state.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a customised NUJ Media Games jersey and faze cap to the Agege Local Government chairman by the NUJ Chairman and members of the council.

Chairman of the Media Games Committee, Ayodele Ojedokun, commended Hon. Obasa for his unwavering support and urged journalists in Lagos to prepare for an exciting and memorable competition.

The NUJ Media Games will serve as a platform to promote friendship, healthy competition, professional networking and physical wellness among media practitioners.

Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Assistant Secretary of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Olayide Awosanya, and a member of the Media Games Committee, Anulika Menaya.