Producer of TVC Television’s popular “Journalists’ Hangout” programme and executive director of News, Babajide Kolade Otitoju, has been honoured with the 2026 Ekirin-Adde Grand Star Award.
The award is the highest recognition bestowed on an indigene by the Ekirin-Adde community in Ijumu local government area of Kogi State.
Otitoju received the award during the grand finale of the Ekirin-Adde Cultural Celebration and Development Fundraising held over the weekend.
At the event, the renowned broadcaster expressed profound appreciation to the community and pledged to rededicate himself to the promotion and development of Ekirin-Adde, with the goal of making it one of Nigeria’s most desirable communities.
Presenting the award, the Paramount Ruler of Ekirin-Adde, HRH Olu Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu, said the honour was in recognition of Otitoju’s selfless contributions to the growth and development of the community.
The monarch noted that the veteran journalist has consistently projected the values, culture, and positive image of Ekirin-Adde through his distinguished career in journalism, urging other sons and daughters of the community to emulate his commitment to service and community development.
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award, Otitoju, popularly known as BKO, described the recognition as one of the greatest honours of his life. He revealed that the organisers deliberately kept the award a surprise despite his active involvement in the planning committee.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. This award will remain one of the greatest moments of my life, and it will inspire me to do even more for my community,” he said.
Otitoju commended the national president of the Ekirin-Adde Association, the traditional institution, and all sons and daughters of the community for their unwavering support and encouragement, which, he said, have continually inspired him to champion initiatives that promote development.
He explained that the Grand Star Award is reserved for only one deserving individual each year, making the 2026 recognition particularly special.
The ace broadcaster disclosed that he has continued to mobilise indigenes both at home and in the diaspora to embrace unity, peace, and collective sacrifice as the foundation for sustainable community development.
According to him, a united community can achieve remarkable progress when its people remain focused on common goals.
Otitoju also appealed to friends and well-wishers to support the community’s ongoing ₦750 million development projects, stressing that the initiative is aimed at addressing critical infrastructure deficits.
He identified inadequate educational facilities, shortage of teachers, and poor road infrastructure as some of the pressing challenges facing the community.
While commending the Old Students’ Association for sponsoring teachers to bridge manpower gaps in local schools, he encouraged other indigenes to undertake similar intervention projects, noting that government alone cannot provide every needed facility.
“There are roads that individuals can construct for the benefit of the community. As responsible citizens, we must complement government’s efforts in bringing development to every part of our community,” he said.
Addressing the youth, Otitoju urged them to embrace hard work, honesty, creativity, and innovation, stressing that excellence comes from distinguishing oneself through positive contributions.
“There are many journalists, but what makes the difference is creativity, integrity, and dedication. Young people should maximise their talents through hard work and discipline,” he advised.
He further encouraged the younger generation to uphold family values, preserve their cultural heritage, and protect the reputation of their community.
Otitoju also called on Ekirin-Adde indigenes living across Nigeria and in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots by supporting developmental initiatives and contributing, no matter how little, to the progress of their homeland.
He congratulated all those who contributed to the success of the cultural celebration and fundraising event, expressing confidence that sustained unity and collective commitment would usher in greater development for Ekirin-Adde.
