The Ondo State correspondent of TVC News, Ayodeji Moradeyo, has received the Distinguished Journalism Excellence, Media Relations and Public Accountability Award from Southwest Heralds Magazine in recognition of his contributions to professional journalism.
Moradeyo, a senior reporter with the television station, received the award at the magazine’s annual public lecture and awards ceremony.
The recognition celebrates his commitment to news gathering, field reporting, accurate information dissemination and public-interest journalism.
Speaking after receiving the award, Moradeyo described the honour as a motivation to improve his professional practice and contribute more to society through impactful reporting, particularly human-interest stories.
“I feel highly elated. This can only spur me to do better. You know, this is not the first award I will be receiving,” he said.
The journalist, who disclosed that he had received several awards for his work, appreciated the organisers for finding him worthy of the recognition.
He said the latest honour would encourage him to strengthen his commitment to responsible journalism and report more stories that reflect the experiences, challenges and aspirations of ordinary people.
“I have received several awards, but I really appreciate the organiser of this award. I can only tell him that this will spur me to work better, to be a better journalist, and also do more human-angle stories that will support society,” he said.
Moradeyo also acknowledged the support of his colleagues, describing their encouragement as an important part of his professional journey.
“I appreciate my colleagues for their support always,” he added.
The publisher of Southwest Heralds Magazine, Mr Tayo Adu, said the award was part of the organisation’s efforts to celebrate professionals whose contributions promote public accountability, excellence and societal development.
Mr Adu explained that recognising individuals who demonstrate dedication to their respective fields would encourage professionalism and inspire others to make meaningful contributions to society.
Moradeyo had previously received recognition from the Federal Road Safety Corps for his coverage of road safety activities in Ondo State. In 2025, he was also named Media Man of the Year by Hero’s Magazine.
Southwest Heralds Magazine further commended the TVC News correspondent for maintaining cordial relationships with fellow media practitioners, noting that his accessibility, friendliness and professional disposition had earned him respect within the journalism community.
The ceremony also featured the recognition of prominent political figures for their contributions to leadership and public service.
Among the award recipients was Kolawole Babatunde, a former member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, who received the Icon of Grassroots Leadership, Constituency Service and Political Excellence Award.
Babatunde emerged as the Ondo State APC chairman in March 2026 following the party’s state congress held in Akure.
A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Taofiq Abdulsalam, was also honoured with a grassroots political award.
The event featured the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, as the guest speaker.
Babatuyi delivered a lecture titled, “The Implications and Effects of Fake News in Influencing the Choice of Electorates in a Democracy: 2027 Election, A Focus.”
He highlighted the dangers of misinformation in democratic processes, particularly its potential to influence voters’ decisions and undermine informed electoral participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NUJ chairman called for stronger measures to tackle the spread of fake news, urging the government to introduce stringent measures to address the problem.
He emphasised the importance of credible information in sustaining democracy and ensuring that voters make informed decisions at the polls.
The organisers said the annual event was designed to celebrate outstanding individuals and provide a platform for discussions on democracy, responsible journalism, leadership and the contributions of professionals and public servants to societal development.
