ACOE Honours Reps Member Ehindero with “Champion of Journalists Award

By Queen Kunde

The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) on Wednesday honoured a member of the House of Representatives, Ifeoluwa Babajide Ehindero, as the lawmaker pledged a stronger working relationship with online media to promote national development.

Ehindero, who represents Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing, said the media remains a critical partner in governance and nation-building.

Speaking while receiving members of ACOE at his office at the National Assembly Complex, the lawmaker praised the professionalism and ethical standards of the association and promised continued collaboration.

He said the support of journalists played a key role in his political journey to the House of Representatives of Nigeria, adding that lawmakers cannot succeed without a strong partnership with the media.

“There is no way we can do this job successfully without partnering with the media,” Ehindero said. “Your support during my election and the build-up to it gave me a deeper understanding of the powerful role journalists play in society.”

The lawmaker also commended the leadership of the House under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for giving young lawmakers opportunities to take on key responsibilities.

Highlighting his achievements since assuming office, Ehindero said more than 60 young people from his constituency have secured jobs in federal agencies and parastatals through his efforts.

He added that within his first 100 days in office, his office facilitated the renovation of about seven primary healthcare centres and supplied medical equipment to improve services in rural communities.

According to him, over 350 pregnant women also benefited from maternal support packages provided as part of healthcare outreach programmes.

“All these happened within our first 100 days. It shows what can be achieved when there is commitment and the support of the people,” he said, adding that more empowerment initiatives are being planned in the coming months.

Ehindero also promised to involve ACOE in future programmes, particularly a major empowerment initiative expected to take place within the next two months.

Earlier, Chairman of ACOE, Shola Akingboye, described the lawmaker as a strong supporter of journalists and youth development.

He said Ehindero’s contributions to education, empowerment programmes and legislative work have helped many young Nigerians build better futures.

Akingboye noted that stronger collaboration between lawmakers and credible online media organisations would help amplify development initiatives and bring governance closer to the people.

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 the empowerment of youths, women and vulnerable groups.

The lawmaker was also decorated with ACOE’s symbolic muffler, signifying his support and friendship with the association.