Nestlé, Others Partner NASRE Foundation To Support 23 Deceased Journalists’ Widows And Families—-The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors, NASRE, through its Foundation, has extended supports to media practitioners with challenges as well as the families of departed journalists in collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria and other supporting partners.
To this end, the distribution of gift items to the 23 beneficiaries was held on Saturday, 29th of June 2024, at The City Pulse Lounge LTV8, Agidingbi Ikeja. This event marked the second edition of NASRE Foundation’s outreach programme, aimed at providing financial and moral support to journalists in need.
The foundation supported 23 beneficiaries from Ogun and Lagos States, who are widows, widowers, and those facing health challenges, with cash and Nestlé products.
Some of the beneficiaries include: Stanley Okoronkwo, who worked with The Comet, Today’s Choice, and The Nation Newspaper; Kayode Aponmade, who worked with Daily Times; Adebiyi Regina Aderemi, who worked with Ogun State Television; Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka, who worked with News Continental; Soneye Olusegun Afolabi, Director of Information at Obafemi Owode Local Government; Ogunade Dorcas Adejumoke; Princewill Ekwurujuru, who worked with Vanguard Newspaper; Michael Alonge, who worked with Fame Magazine and Global Excellence; Tunde Bello, who worked with Global Times; Lekan Onalapo, former City People photojournalist; Dapo Oshin, who worked with LTV8; Johnmark Ukoko, former Guardian and Daily Times staff; and Josiah Abiola, who worked with Global Excellence.
Similarly, the family of Stanley Okoronkwo, a veteran journalist who worked for The Nation Newspaper and is currently down with a stroke, and Mike Alonge, a celebrity journalist who started with Fame Magazine and Global Excellence Magazine and was the publisher of Mikeangelonews.com before he died on December 10, 2022, after a mild illness, are among the beneficiaries.
Another beneficiary is the family of Princewill Ekwujuru, former chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN), who worked with Vanguard Newspaper until his death in August 2021.
Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka, the former Ogun NUJ caretaker chairperson who worked with News Continental and lost her husband two years ago, and Remi Adebiyi, who worked with Ogun State Television and also lost her husband some years ago, equally benefited from the initiative.
Moreover, Mr. Lekan Onalapo, former City People photojournalist, lost his wife and their new baby during childbirth some months ago.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and were elated for the support received.
Soneye Olusegun Afolabi, a journalist from Ogun, remarked, “At first, I thought it was a scam. I lost my wife eight years ago, and this is the first time I’m receiving any assistance from any organization in the past eight years. I applaud this initiative and pray for the association.”
Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka, the former Ogun NUJ caretaker chairperson, said, “My husband died two and a half years ago. Like the first beneficiary said, I have not received such assistance from any media organization. The media job is hazardous, and it’s important that the general public knows that journalists or media practitioners also need help.”
Gboyega Aponmade, the son of the late veteran journalist, Prince Kayode Aponmade, expressed his appreciation: “When my mom called and told me she was reached out to by a media association willing to support her as a widow, I was skeptical because I’ve not seen such since he died. I had to follow her to see for myself, and I must confess that it’s overwhelming. I hope this initiative does not end so that the association can do more. I applaud the association directors and pray for their success.”
In his address, the President of NASRE and NASRE Media Foundation, Comrade Femi Oyewale, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting media practitioners in need:
“We are dedicated to providing continuous support to media practitioners facing challenges, within the limits of our resources. The NASRE Media Foundation was established with the mission to assist those in our profession who are struggling. I urge corporate organizations, public and private institutions, and individuals to support our foundation in any way they can. Together, we can ensure that no media practitioner is left without help in times of need.”
The NASRE Media Foundation’s support programme continues to be a beacon of hope for media practitioners and their families, providing much-needed assistance and fostering a sense of community and solidarity within the media industry.
Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
He shared this news via his social media handles.
Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.
As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.
Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.
In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.
Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.
According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.
The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.
Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.