TVC News Correspondent in Ondo State, Ayodeji Moradeyo, has received the Distinguished Journalism Excellence, Media Relations and Public Accountability Award from Southwest Heralds Magazine, pledging to devote greater attention to human-interest stories that promote societal development. Moradeyo received the award at the magazine’s annual public lecture and awards ceremony in…...
TVC News Correspondent in Ondo State, Ayodeji Moradeyo, has received the Distinguished Journalism Excellence, Media Relations and Public Accountability Award from Southwest Heralds Magazine, pledging to devote greater attention to human-interest stories that promote societal development.
Moradeyo received the award at the magazine’s annual public lecture and awards ceremony in recognition of his commitment to news gathering, field reporting, accurate information dissemination and public-interest journalism.
Speaking at the ceremony, the journalist described the recognition as a source of encouragement to improve his professional practice and make greater contributions to society through impactful and people-oriented reporting.
“Well, I feel highly elated. This can only spur me to do better. You know, this is not the first award I will be receiving,” he said.
Moradeyo, who disclosed that he had received several awards in recognition of his work, expressed appreciation to the organisers for considering him worthy of the honour.
He said the recognition would further motivate him to uphold the values of responsible journalism while giving greater attention to stories that highlight the experiences, challenges and aspirations of ordinary people.
“I have received several awards, but I really appreciate the organiser of this award. And I can only tell him that this will spur me to work better, to be a better journalist, and also do more of human-angle stories that will support the society,” he said.
The TVC News correspondent also acknowledged the support of his colleagues, describing their encouragement as an important part of his professional journey.
“I appreciate my colleagues for their support always,” he added.
The publisher of Southwest Heralds Magazine, Tayo Adu, said the award was part of the organisation’s efforts to recognise professionals whose contributions have advanced public accountability, professional excellence and societal development.
Adu noted that recognising individuals who demonstrate commitment to their respective fields was important in encouraging professionalism and inspiring others to make meaningful contributions to society.
Moradeyo had previously received recognition from the Federal Road Safety Corps for his coverage of road-safety activities in Ondo State.
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He was also named Media Man of the Year by Hero’s Magazine in 2025.
Southwest Heralds Magazine also acknowledged his cordial relationship with fellow media practitioners, identifying his accessibility, friendliness and professional disposition as qualities that have earned him respect and goodwill within the journalism community.
The ceremony also featured the recognition of prominent political figures for their contributions to leadership and public service.
Among those honoured was Kolawole Babatunde, a former member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, who received the Icon of Grassroots Leadership, Constituency Service and Political Excellence Award.
Babatunde emerged as the Ondo State APC chairman in March 2026 following a state congress held in Akure.
A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Taofiq Abdulsalam was also honoured with a grassroots political award.
The event featured the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, as the guest speaker.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “The Implications and Effects of Fake News in Influencing the Choice of Electorates in a Democracy: 2027 Election, A Focus,” Babatuyi highlighted the potential consequences of misinformation on democratic participation and voters’ decision-making.
He called for measures to curb the spread of fake news, urging the government to introduce stringent measures to address the problem, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The NUJ chairman’s presentation underscored the importance of credible information in democratic processes, stressing the need to address the spread of false information that could mislead voters and influence their choices at the polls.
The organisers said the annual event was designed to celebrate outstanding individuals and provide a platform for discussions on democracy, responsible journalism, leadership and the contributions of professionals and public servants to societal development