NUJ Honours Obasa as Media Games Ambassador Ahead of October Tournament

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

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

The decoration took place on Wednesday at the Agege Local Government Secretariat in Lagos, where the union said the honour was in recognition of Obasa’s contributions to grassroots development and sports promotion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi, said the council carefully selected Obasa because of his people-centred leadership, investments in community infrastructure and commitment to youth development through sports.

According to Ajayi, Obasa’s administration has positioned Agege as a model of progressive local governance by implementing policies that have improved residents’ welfare and expanded opportunities for young people.

He noted that the council was particularly impressed by the local government’s sustained investment in grassroots sports, describing it as a catalyst for youth engagement, talent discovery, healthy living and social cohesion.

“One of the hallmarks of your leadership is your strong commitment to grassroots sports development. Through deliberate investments in sporting infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives, you have demonstrated that sustainable community development begins with empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to excel,” Ajayi said.

He added that the honour was reserved for individuals whose commitment to sports development and community advancement aligns with the vision of the NUJ Media Games.

Responding, Obasa expressed appreciation to the union for the recognition, describing the NUJ as a professional body he was proud to be associated with.

He commended journalists for their role in informing the public about government activities and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote sports and youth empowerment.

“Without journalists, the volume of work we do would not be known or visible to the public. We 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,” he said.

The council chairman said the Agege Local Government had sustained youth-focused sporting initiatives over the past four years through programmes such as the Obasa Games and the Obasa Summer Games, adding that the administration was committed to making Agege a major sports hub in Lagos and the country.

Obasa also assured the NUJ of the local government’s support for the forthcoming Media Games, stating that facilities at the Agege Stadium would be made available for the competition.

He further disclosed that the local government would inaugurate its maiden Lagos Mini Football League on July 31, describing it as the first initiative of its kind in the state.

The event featured the presentation of a customised NUJ Media Games jersey and face cap to the council chairman by the NUJ leadership.

Chairman of the Media Games Committee, Ayodele Ojedokun, commended Obasa for his support for sports development and urged journalists across the state to prepare for a successful and memorable 2026 NUJ Media Games.

Among those present at the ceremony were the Assistant Secretary of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Olayide Awosanya, and a member of the Media Games Committee, Anulika Menaya.