Femi Oyewale Honoured With TY Buratai Foundation Award For Excellence In Journalism
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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Sahara Weekly, Mr. Femi Oyewale, has been conferred with the Award of Excellence in Journalism by the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the media and humanitarian service.
The honour was presented during the TY Buratai Literary Initiative Award Ceremony, which also featured the Young 20 Adult Literature Prize (YALP) 2024 Anthology public presentation at the newly commissioned Lt Gen OA Ihejirika (Rtd) Hall within the Tukur Buratai Research Center in Gora, Nasarawa State.
The hall was formally inaugurated by Lt Gen OA Ihejirika (Rtd), who also chaired the occasion. Mr. Oyewale, who was unavoidably absent due to international commitments, was represented by Dr. Mohammed Sani Abubakar.
The foundation described Mr. Oyewale as a model of journalistic integrity, transformational leadership, and social responsibility, whose work aligns with its mission of “helping the poor and improving lives.”
A veteran journalist and visionary publisher, Mr. Oyewale began his career under the mentorship of the Concord Newspapers before establishing Sahara Weekly and leading both the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) and the National Association of Online Security Reporters (NASRE). Through the NASRE Media Foundation, he has launched several initiatives providing financial, medical, and educational assistance to families of journalists facing hardship, reinforcing his commitment to the welfare of media professionals.
In his keynote remarks, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd), praised Mr. Oyewale as “a shining example of integrity and social consciousness in Nigerian journalism.”
“In a time when the press faces numerous challenges, Femi Oyewale has consistently demonstrated that leadership in journalism is not only about reporting the truth, but also about uplifting those who risk everything to keep the public informed. His humanitarian work mirrors the core values of our foundation — compassion, service, and empowerment,” Buratai said.
He urged media leaders across the country to emulate Mr. Oyewale’s professionalism and humanity, noting, “We honour not just a journalist, but a visionary whose work strengthens the pillars of democracy and serves as a beacon of hope for all Nigerians.”
The award was jointly acknowledged by two major media institutions — The Cable Newspaper, led by Publisher Simon Kolawole, and Sahara Weekly, under Mr. Oyewale’s leadership. The joint recognition underscored his influence and collaborative spirit within Nigeria’s media community.
The citation accompanying the award read: “For his unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence, his visionary leadership that unites and empowers media professionals, and his profound humanitarian impact that touches countless lives, we celebrate him today. He is not just a master of his craft, but a beacon of hope and a true champion for humanity.”
Before the ceremony, Mr. Oyewale received a letter of commendation from the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, which praised his leadership of Sahara Weekly and NAOSRE as “a model of ethical journalism defined by objectivity, resourcefulness, and an unwavering dedication to the public interest.”
The recognition marks another milestone in Mr. Oyewale’s distinguished career, highlighting his commitment to ethical journalism, professional excellence, and humanitarian service.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation is dedicated to promoting humanitarian causes, social development, and recognition of excellence in sectors that shape society, including media, education, and literature.
