… TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation celebrates integrity and excellence in Nigerian media
… Award recognises leadership, humanitarian service, and commitment to ethical journalism
In a ceremony that celebrated journalistic excellence and social impact, Femi Oyewale, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Sahara Weekly and President of the National Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), alongside Simon Kolawole, Publisher of The Cable Newspaper, were honoured with the Award of Excellence in Journalism by the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation.
The recognition took place during the TY Buratai Literary Initiative Award Ceremony, which also featured the Young 20 Adult Literature Prize (YALP) 2024 Anthology Public Presentation at the newly inaugurated Lt Gen OA Ihejirika (Rtd) Hall, within the Tukur Buratai Research Centre, Gora, Nasarawa State. The facility was officially commissioned by Lt Gen OA Ihejirika (Rtd), who chaired the event.
Represented by Dr Mohammed Sani Abubakar, Mr Oyewale was celebrated for his outstanding leadership and contribution to journalism in Nigeria. The citation accompanying his award described him as “a publisher whose work goes beyond reporting the truth to improving lives through humanitarian service.”
Celebrating a Legacy of Integrity and Humanitarianism
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation noted that the award mirrored its mission of “helping the poor, improving lives,” recognising Oyewale’s long-standing commitment to both ethical journalism and social responsibility.
Trained under the mentorship of Concord Newspapers, Oyewale has built a reputation for balance, professionalism, and compassion in reporting. Through his leadership of Sahara Weekly and NASRE, he has been instrumental in promoting ethical media practice and collaboration across Nigeria’s media sector.
His NASRE Media Foundation has initiated several welfare programmes, providing financial assistance, medical support, and scholarships to the families of deceased and ailing journalists—a humanitarian legacy that continues to inspire his peers.
General Buratai Commends Media Leadership
In his keynote address, General Tukur Buratai (Rtd), founder of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, described Oyewale as “a shining example of integrity and social consciousness in Nigerian journalism.”
He said, “In a time when the press faces numerous challenges, Femi Oyewale has consistently demonstrated that leadership in journalism is not only about reporting the truth but about uplifting those who risk everything to keep the public informed. His humanitarian work mirrors the core values of our foundation – compassion, service, and empowerment.”
General Buratai also charged other media leaders to emulate the honouree’s commitment to national development through responsible reporting and service. “We honour not just a journalist, but a visionary whose work strengthens the pillars of democracy and serves as a beacon of hope for all Nigerians,” he added.
A Shared Honour in Media Excellence
The event equally recognised Simon Kolawole, Publisher of The Cable Newspaper, whose organisation jointly acknowledged the award alongside Sahara Weekly. The joint recognition underscored the collaborative spirit between both media institutions and their shared vision for professionalism and accountability in journalism.
The award citation read: “For his unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence, his visionary leadership that unites and empowers media professionals, and his profound humanitarian impact that touches countless lives, we celebrate him today. He is not just a master of his craft but a beacon of hope and a true champion for humanity.”
A Letter of Commendation and Enduring Impact
Ahead of the ceremony, Mr Oyewale received a formal letter of commendation from the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation. The letter extolled his stewardship of Sahara Weekly and Sahara TV as models for ethical journalism, noting his “distinguished career marked by integrity and steadfast commitment to truth.”
The award presented at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre marks another milestone in Oyewale’s career dedicated to truth, public service, and the welfare of media practitioners.
About the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation is dedicated to humanitarian service, social development, and recognition of excellence in fields that promote national progress. Through its literary and media initiatives, the foundation continues to support programmes that enhance education, strengthen democratic institutions, and honour individuals making measurable social impact.
