President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Friday received Nollywood actors, Mr. Ibu,
Saheed Balogun, Onyekweli Harry B and others at Aso Rock.
The likes of Ahmed Bala, Gentle Jack, Ben Kure and singer Shina Peters
were also in attendance as the presidential spokesman received an award.
The actors presented the award to President Buhari’s spokesman under the
aegis of the Ambassadors of Voice for Change, a group of Nollywood actors and
entertainers, led by Ahmed Bala.
Adesina while receiving the award called for unity in the country, adding
that Nigeria needs peacemakers who will entrench nationalism and patriotism in
the polity and not spoilers.
He further stated that the Buhari-led government would continue to
support Nigerians working assiduously to promote peace, harmony and development.
Adesina who commended the group for promoting unity, said the sheer
volume of talents and exceptional Nigerians on their network, including those
in the entertainment, media, sports, fashion and arts industry, made them a
formidable voice for positive change in the country.
He said, “The Media office of the President will always support you
and I wish you the very best in all your endeavours. What you are doing for the
country makes our work easier. When you hold town hall meetings in different
parts of the country, advocating for unity, peace and change, it is easier for
me to do the job and I am very glad to identify with this group, which is
nationalistic and patriotic.”
The spokesman of the group, Ben Kure, said Adesina, a two-time president
of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has distinguished himself as an
excellent journalist, writer, media executive and spokesperson of the
President, writing his ‘‘name in gold’’ in the media profession and discharge
of his duties.
Kure said, “He has been adjudged the best spokesman by journalists
in Nigeria and one of the reasons adduced to this feat is his humility and
accessibility, he deeply cares about the welfare of journalists in Nigeria.”
Referring to a recent piece authored by Adesina in his weekly article,
Kure thanked the president’s spokesperson for making Nigerians understand
President Buhari as a good man and one who remembers and rewards the labours of
the living and the dead. Thank you for quoting the Scripture: ‘Blessed be he of
the Lord, who has not left off his kindness to the living and the dead.”
Kure noted that Buhari has demonstrated, through his appointments of
Margaret Okadigbo, Constance Harry Marshall, Justice Adesola Oguntade and
Justice Sylvanus Nsofor of blessed memory, that he is a detribalized Nigerian,
passionate about the country.
