By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The Arewa Journalists Forum (AJF) has honoured Sen. Seriake Dickson for his “sterling contributions to democracy, good governance, and service to humanity.”
According to a statement issued by AJF and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa at the weekend, the honour was bestowed on the former governor of Bayelsa State recently in Abuja.
AJF, while bestowing the award on the senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district, said he was singled out for the honour due to his sincere contributions on national issues, adding that the honour was done to spur him to promote sustainable democracy, good governance, nation building.
The group led by its national president, Hassan Galadima, also expressed joy at Dickson’s acceptance of becoming one of their patrons as a dream come true, as they see in him a true Nigerian whose patriotism is never in doubt.
“We are also using this medium to applaud his abilities in managing people and Bayelsa State politically, especially how he manages people and provides leadership with tolerance. This should be an example to others on what godfatherism should be,” the AJF president said.
In his response, Dickson thanked members of the AJF, “For finding me worthy of the honour, and I promise to see the recognition as a further call to service to humanity, good governance, and democracy.”
Dickson, while assuring the group of his readiness to avail himself whenever his advice and patronage is needed, also seized the occasion to appeal to the media to make deliberate efforts at keeping to the tenets for the respectable profession and shun anything to the contrary.
According to the group’s president, “We of the Arewa Journalists Forum are here to present our plaque, in recognition of your contributions to democracy, good governance, and service to humanity.
“We are also indeed grateful for accepting to become patron. Words alone cannot describe how grateful we are at this moment. But you can be rest assured of our continued support in all your endeavours. Feel free to involve us in all your activities, because from now on we see you as one of our own.”
Secretary General, Abraham Awodi, cited, “This award of lifetime Achievements conferred on Senator Dickson by a team of National Executive Members of the forum in Abuja, was because of his outstanding success recorded as a member of House of Rep, two-time Executive Governor of Bayelsa State and as the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Other executive members of the forum present were Ruth Choji, treasurer, Bala Musa, organizing secretary, and Yohana Gyang, provost.
The forum is the umbrella body of Northern Nigeria Journalists forum aimed to promote Peace and Security and Development across our great country. Formed in 2007 at the Arewa House, AJF has over one thousand members in almost all major local and international media houses.
