The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council,has honoured Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, with the award of Best Senator of the Year.
The award was presented at the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week of the Oyo NUJ, held on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Ibadan.
The presentation was coordinated by a former National President of the NUJ, Prince (Comrade) Lanre Ogundipe, assisted by the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Demola Babalola.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Akintunde expressed profound gratitude to the Union for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to rededicate himself to public service.
“I am driven by my commitment and passion to serve humanity in any capacity I find myself. This recognition by the Oyo State NUJ further challenges me to do more, particularly in the areas of legislation, community infrastructure development, and human capital empowerment,” he said.
The lawmaker outlined some of his achievements since assuming office, including the sponsorship of critical bills in the Senate, empowerment and training of artisans — such as tailors, mechanics, traders, welders, and ICT phone repairers — and the distribution of improved seedlings and farm implements to farmers.
He also cited the provision of solar-powered streetlights for communities, markets, health centres, palaces, and religious worship centres, as well as the ongoing construction of solar-powered boreholes across 118 wards in Oyo Central. Other projects include the rehabilitation of schools, and the construction of modern markets and health centres across the eleven local government areas of the district.
Senator Akintunde assured Nigerians of a bright and prosperous future, expressing confidence in the reform policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“These reforms will soon translate into sustainable economic relief, enabling citizens to enjoy a better quality of life and shared prosperity,” he stated.
In their separate remarks, Comrade Ogundipe and Comrade Babalola commended Senator Akintunde for his outstanding performance and dedication to service, urging other elected officials to emulate his example of responsible and people-oriented leadership.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Hon. Yemi Aderibigbe; Dr. Joshua Oyebamiji, APC Chairman, Oyo Central Senatorial District; APC local government chairmen; legislative aides; community coordinators; and political associates of the Senator.
