It’s Not Easy to Survive 20 Years, CPS Remarks at Focus Awards
By Olusegun HOSEA, 25th 2026.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, has remarked that it is not easy for a media organization to survive twenty years of existence. He made this statement at the public lecture and awards ceremony of the Focus Magazine held in Akure yesterday, saying the programme was commendable. The CPS, who represented the Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, said the government is committed to supporting all the media organizations in Ondo State. He explained that since they came on board, the government had ensured that the relationship between the government and the media remains cordial and that they still have a lot to offer the media industry in the state, as they would continue to plead with the media to keep playing their role towards enhancing governance in the state.
According to him, “Criticism is allowed, but it should be constructive and not destructive. I will continue to plead with my colleagues who are in the media industry to continue to give their support to the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” he said.
Dr. Bayo Ilawole, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, who received the Man of the Year Award from Focus Magazine, expressed his satisfaction with the award. He said, “I believe that a good name and good works are good, imperishable legacies that we must all achieve and leave behind for the generation that is coming, and we thank God that it speaks.” He admonished the people of Ondo State to remain united and salvage the state together, as we have no other state to call our own. He asked them to enjoy the good and amend the bad while remaining focused in all their endeavours. Dr. Ilawole, who is a multiple award winner, said that what he knows is that a golden fish has no hiding place in the water, as he attributed all the praises to God Almighty and said he doesn’t go after awards; rather, it is the awards that look for him, and he has no option but to accept them, more importantly when he knows that the source of the award is credible. He said the honour was a means of encouragement to the people that hard work pays, as it brings honour to those who embrace it.
He admonished the civil servants in the state to be more proactive in their work, play by the rules, and be more diligent and responsive to their jobs in order to uphold the principles of anonymity and seniority, adding that they should do what is expected of them. He asked them to be mindful of the principles and ethics of the job and to do their best and be the best.
Another awardee, Dr. Ilesanmi Imisi, also appreciated the effort of the organization and said it’s always good when your work is recognized by people. He said a credible media organization does not just give awards to just anyone but to those who are qualified and have integrity. He said banking is all about integrity and trust, which people must uphold. According to him, when you lose these traits, you have lost everything. He advised young people to desist from seeking quick money, as it is not going to work. He advocated hard work and integrity in order for them to succeed. He admonished bankers to relate appropriately with their customers because without them, the banking system would not work.
