The lawmaker representing Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeoluwa Babajide Ehindero, has been honoured with the “Champion of Journalists Award” by the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in recognition of his support for media professionals and commitment to youth empowerment.
Ehindero, who also serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing, received the award when members of ACOE paid him a courtesy visit at his office in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker described the media as a critical partner in promoting national development, stressing that effective governance requires strong collaboration between public officials and journalists.
He commended ACOE for upholding ethical standards in the online media space, noting that the association represents an important platform for responsible journalism.
Ehindero also acknowledged the support he received from journalists during his political journey to the National Assembly, saying the media played a significant role in his emergence as a federal lawmaker.
He further praised the leadership of the House of Representatives under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for creating opportunities for young lawmakers to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Highlighting some of his achievements since assuming office, Ehindero revealed that more than 60 young people from his constituency had secured employment in various government agencies and parastatals through his intervention.
He also disclosed that within his first 100 days in office, his office facilitated the renovation of six to seven primary healthcare centres and provided medical equipment to strengthen healthcare delivery in the constituency.
According to him, over 350 pregnant women have also benefited from maternal support initiatives through the distribution of delivery gifts aimed at improving maternal and child health.
The lawmaker added that plans were underway to organise a major empowerment programme for constituents in the coming months, assuring that ACOE would be actively involved in projecting the initiative and showcasing its impact.
“This relationship is a working one, and it will continue to grow. The empowerment programme we are planning in the next two months will be the first major activity we will execute together,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of ACOE, Comrade Shola Akingboye, commended Ehindero for his unwavering support for journalists and his commitment to youth empowerment and educational development.
Akingboye described the lawmaker as a friend of the media who has consistently created opportunities for young Nigerians to access quality education and build a sustainable future through empowerment initiatives and legislative contributions.
He noted that collaboration between the association and the lawmaker would help amplify the impact of his legislative work, oversight functions and empowerment programmes.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the “Champion of Journalists Award” to Ehindero in recognition of his contributions to the welfare of journalists and his support for women, youths and vulnerable groups in society.
The lawmaker was also adorned with the symbolic muffler of the Association of Corporate Online Editors, signifying honour and solidarity with the organisation.
