Outstanding Youth in Media: NYCN honours Ogun First Lady’s reporter, Magaret Okunlola

As part of activities celebrating this year’s International Youth Day, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has honoured a reporter with Ogun State Television, OGTV, Margaret Okunlola as the Outstanding Youth of the Year 2025 in the Conventional Media category.

The award was presented by the Chairman NYCN, Ogun State Chapter, Akolawole Shoremi during its 2026 International Youth Day celebration themed, “Different Context, Common Aspirations” held on Thursday at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta.

Shoremi explained that the award was part of activities to recognise young Nigerians making impact in their fields.

Receiving the award, Okunlola described the honour as “a call to higher service,” noting that it should inspire journalists to deliver verified and impactful reportage despite the challenges in today’s saturated media space.

“I view this award not just as an honour but as a call to higher service to consistently deliver verified, impactful and excellent reportage, no matter how saturated the media landscape becomes,” she said.

The OGTV correspondent, who also covers the office of the Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said the platform had enabled her to grow professionally in broadcasting and digital media.

This is the latest in a string of recognitions for the journalist. She was previously named Staff of the Year 2021, Reportorial, by OGTV’s News and Current Affairs Directorate, and Reporter of the Year 2024, Education Category, by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Council.

Okunlola attributed her success to God and thanked her family, mentors, OGTV management, and colleagues for their support. She specifically acknowledged media veterans including Mr Biodun Alabi, Mr Tunde Sodeke, Mrs Bisi Alarape, and Mr Dele Obadimu, as well as the OGTV newsroom and camera crew.

She urged journalists across broadcast, print and digital media to uphold professional ethics and ensure only factual information is disseminated to the public.

“Journalism is demanding with late nights and missed family time, but we must continue striving for excellence and upholding the credibility of the profession,” she added.