The Rotary International District 1910, Nigeria, on Friday, gave an award of recognition to the former Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola.
Ogunshola was one of the four award recipients at the maiden edition of the annual event tagged, "An Evening with the Media," which is to acknowledge the contributions of the media to Rotary.
The award, according to the District Governor, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, is in acknowledgement of the contribution of PUNCH Newspapers to Rotary under Ogunshola's administration.
He said the success that the newspaper recorded under Ogunshola remained a source of inspiration to all.
While presenting the award, Omotosho further commended the sustained contributions of PUNCH in particular and the media in general in giving publicity to the programmes and activities of Rotary.
He said, "As it is said in journalism, if a great tree falls in the bush and creates havoc but it is not reported for people to know, it is then assumed that no tree fell.
"It is not that Rotary seeks publicity for itself but to ensure that the relevant publics are carried along with what Rotary has to offer them.
"Rotary in Nigeria appreciates the place of the media and cannot take it for granted, it took a longer time for Rotary International to realise this. We appreciate other media owners but these are the first set to be so honoured."
In his response to the gesture, Ogunshola said the award was not just for him but all those who worked with him during his 25 years as chairman of PUNCH.
He said he would continue to maintain the relationship which started some decades ago.
Other awardees were: the Publisher, Guardian Newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; the Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, who was represented by the editor of Vanguard and the Publisher, ThisDay Newspaper, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena.
Also present at the evening of fun and glamour were a past District Governor, Chief Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; wife of the District Governor, Susan Omotosho and Rotarians from all walks of life.
The Punch