By Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu
The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday honoured Otunba Bestman Jumbo-Nze with an award in Philanthropy and Grassroots Mobilisation at its 35th anniversary and 2026 Press Week ceremony, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Osogbo.
Jumbo-Nze, who was represented at the event, was recognised for his achievements in Lagos State and across the South West, particularly through his leadership of the pan-Nigeria socio-political group, TeamNigeria4Change.
The award acknowledges more than 15 years of community interventions. Under his leadership, TeamNigeria4Change has distributed food items to vulnerable households in Lagos during Christmas, Sallah and other festive periods. The group also launched the “One Tank One Community” initiative, which provides free fuel to commercial transport operators.
Explaining the rationale for the fuel outreach, Jumbo-Nze said: “We cannot continue to complain about fuel price increases without doing something. Transportation is the lifeblood of the common man.”
He added: “When a Keke rider spends N15,000 to N17,000 daily on fuel, that cost is transferred to every market woman, student and worker. This is our small way of cushioning the effect and keeping the wheels of our communities moving.”
The group has also organised youth development summits, market outreach programmes and voter education campaigns, including the #VoteDon’tFight campaign against election violence.
Jumbo-Nze is a marketing communications expert and publisher of Eko mi Eko e Newspaper. He holds the traditional titles of Otun Fiwagboye of Agudaland, Ogba, Lagos, and Otun Atunluse of Ibogun in Owu Kingdom, Ogun State. A native of Bonny in Rivers State, he is a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His previous recognitions include the Prestige Excellence Award as Most Resourceful and Innovative Grassroot Political Mobiliser of the Year, and the Defender of Democracy Award, both in 2023.
The Osun NUJ ceremony also honoured the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi; the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Christopher Arapasopo; the Head of Service, Samuel Ayanleye Aina; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, among others.
According to the council, the awards were designed to recognise individuals whose contributions to their fields have positively impacted society and demonstrated commitment to service, leadership and development.
