On Saturday 18th February, 2017, the ancient City of Lokoja and indeed Nigeria stood still when youths & elders of the 19 states of northern Nigeria under the auspices of northern (AREWA) youth council of Nigeria gathered to honour three sons of Kogi state who have contributed immensely towards youth development in their various professions .
Prominent amongst the award recipients was Baba Ojonugwa JFO, Igala born frontline musician and entertainer and the newly elected second National Vice President of the Performing Musicians of Nigeria PMAN, Africa's largest music Union. JFO, honoured with the prestigious SARDAUNA PLATINUM AWARD for his contribution to youth development in northern Nigeria said, this gesture is a call to do more. He thanked the elders who nominated him & youths who found him worthy.
The erudite entertainment entrepreneur promised not to relent in his developmental strides .
Feelers in the entertainment industry believes this award for JFO was long overdue. From his days in Mount St. Gabriel Makurdi where he was a member of a band which included Tu Face, Baba JFO's impact in the lifes of the Northern Musicians has been tremendous.
Entertainers from Kogi state who turned out in their numbers to celebrate their own all agreed that JFO has in one way or the other contributed to their careers. They called on individuals and organizations to emulate this icon in order to promote entertainment as a viable revenue generating industry in Kogi State and indeed Northern Nigeria.
Present at the event were representatives of all the Northern state governors, a former speaker of Kogi state house of assembly & national house of representatives member, the Special Adviser to Kogi state governor on health & other distinguished guest amongst whom were clergy men of all faiths.
With this award Baba Ojonugwa has become the first entertainment practitioner to be so honored with the Sardauna Platinum Award in Northern Nigeria.
