Venora Holdings and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council Correspondents’ Chapel, have announced strategic partnership to build capacity and improve journalists’ welfare.
The Managing Director of Venora Holdings Limited, Mr Ayodeji Torey, announced this when he received members of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
He pledged sustained collaboration and support aimed at enhancing the professional and working environment of journalists.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Comarade Felix Ojo, praised Mr Torey’s philanthropic disposition and commitment to staff welfare, describing his leadership style as exemplary.
“Mr Ayodeji Torey has consistently demonstrated uncommon commitment to human development through impressive staff remuneration, health insurance schemes, empowerment projects, vacation sponsorships, and the promotion of sportsmanship,” Ojo said.
He noted that journalists often operate under limited funding, which makes welfare initiatives critical to productivity and professional excellence.
“Unlike many professions, journalism is not well-funded. In December, we organised a programme tagged ‘Opportunities for Collective Bargaining and Unionism in Place of Welfare’ as part of our effort to improve the occupational welfare of our members,” he explained.
Ojo also highlighted pressing needs within the chapel, including the acquisition of a chapel bus to ease mobility for members during official engagements and assignments.
As part of the visit, the Correspondents’ Chapel presented an Award of Excellence in Workplace Practice to Mr Torey, commending Venora Holdings for fostering an ideal work environment that promotes employee growth, meaningful rewards, and overall wellbeing.
“The workplace culture at Venora Holdings, from staff remuneration to health insurance and empowerment initiatives, is worthy of emulation across corporate Nigeria,” Ojo added.
Receiving the award, Mr Ayodeji Torey expressed surprise and appreciation, dedicating the honour to his team for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
“This award truly came as a surprise. I sincerely appreciate the Nigeria Union of Journalists for this recognition,” he said.
“It can only encourage us to do more. As I often say, we do not extend helping hands for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.”
He reaffirmed Venora Holdings’ readiness to collaborate with the Correspondents’ Chapel in initiatives that would improve journalists’ working conditions and professional output.
“This award belongs to my team. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, and without them, none of this would be possible,” Mr Torey stated.
