A reporter with Daily Trust newspapers, Mr Eyo Charles has been honoured with a media excellence award by an Abuja-based Non- Governmental Organisation, One Love Foundation International.
The award presentation took place in Calabar, Cross River State, where the reporter is based.
According to the NGO, the reporter was recognised for displaying bravery during a recent encounter with former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who verbally assaulted him, including calling him “stupid”.
Programme Officer of the NGO, in Calabar, Mr. Osemudiamen Ogbidi, who presented the award, said, “Mr. Eyo is a symbol of a true journalist who suffers undue oppression in the hands of the privileged in the cause of performing his duties.
“He was insulted, humiliated and downgraded just for asking a simple question. That is why we are here to honour him and to encourage him and other journalists not to give up.
“Gone are the days when people referred to lawyers as the hope of the common man. Today journalists are the hope of the common man.”
He urged the journalist not to relent in his commitment to his chosen profession.
Expressing appreciation to the NGO for conferring the award on him, Charles described his encounter with the ex-minister as unfortunate.
He emphasised that his question was not aimed at embarrassing Fani-Kayode, saying he did not deserve the backlash from the ex-minister.
However, he said he has forgiven Fani-Kayode and moved on with his life.
Charles lauded his employers, Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust, the President of NUJ as well as the union in the 36 states of the federation and the media for their show of solidarity.
He added that the award would galvanise him to greater heights in journalism.
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