The Kwara State Correspondent of THISDAY Newspapers, Alhaji Hammed Shittu, at the weekend emerged the Best Journalist of the Year, 2014 in the state

Also, Mr. Shuaib Abdulkadir of the National Pilot emerged second while Mr. Dada Bamise of the privately-owned broadcasting station, Royal FM, Ilorin emerged third.

Mr. Dele Moses of Daily Independent Newspapers emerged the Political Reporter of the year, while several other consolation prizes were given to others who made entries for the award.

Speaking at the award ceremony organised by the state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, promised his continued support for journalists in the state to ease the discharge of their duties.

Ahmed, who was represented at the occasion by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, commended journalists in the state for their cooperation and support for assisting his government in delivering democracy dividends to the people.

The governor specifically lauded the journalists for promoting the peace and harmony currently enjoyed in the state.

He expressed commitment to the welfare of journalists hence his decision to provide the NUJ with a befitting Press Centre even as the government also pays insurance premium for all practising journalists in the state.

He commended the NUJ for the award aimed at promoting itself and rewarding hard-work and diligence among its members.

The state NUJ Chairman, Mr. Abiodun Kareem, explained that the award in partnership with Royal FM, was aimed at encouraging members to be committed and dedicated to the profession.

Also speaking, National Deputy President of NAWOJ, Mrs. Bilikis Oladimeji, said journalists must see themselves as leaders in the country.

She noted that people world-wide don-t respect journalists despite being an integral part of the society.