No fewer than ten corporate organisations were rewarded for their contributions in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in the country by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, during the association’s gala night organised at this year’s brands and marketing conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The companies were honoured in recognition of their immense contributions in developing areas like; health, education, talent, community relations, sports, women, environmental friendly and Media.

The organisations honoured during the gala night include; Access Bank Plc, First Bank Limited, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, MTN Nigeria and Laferge Africa.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of BJAN, Goddie Ofose, said that it is imperative for the association to recognise organisations that have done well in the areas of Corporate Social Responsibility in the country.

He said that, ”These awards were designed to encourage corporate organisations for their contributions to the growth of CSR in Nigeria and also to make them see the need to continue to provide social amenities to the societies they operate.”

He added that this year’s conference was centred on CSR where seasoned industry practitioners gathered to proffer solutions to the need for CSR sustainability in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the association has re-elected Goddie Ofose, as the chairman of the association for the second term in office owing to the expression of satisfaction with his first term performance.

Ofose emerged as his rival, Mr. Azubuike Nadoze, withdrew from the race minutes to the presentation of manifesto by the contestants.

In his acceptance speech after the swearing-in, in Ibadan, Ofose, assured members of the association that he will fulfil his campaign promises. He also pledged to use his second term to make BJAN a household name among the stakeholders in the industry and consolidate on his past achievements.

The post of vice chairman was won by Clara Okoro of BrandTV while Lukman Ishau of Marketingspace Magazine won the post of secretary.

The position of assistant secretary went to Richard Edoki of Rhythm FM and Akinwumi Dickson retained his position as the treasurer. The post of financial secretary went to Afolabi Idowu of the Union Newspaper and Kayode Adelowokan of Newsverge online is the new auditor of the association.