Jide Adebayo, former Executive Director, Lagos Directorate, News Agency of Nigeria, on Thursday urged the NAN workforce to assist in the diversification process going on in the agency.
Adebayo gave the counsel at a retirement party organised in his honour by the staff and management of NAN Lagos office.
He retired from the agency after 35 years of service on Wednesday.
Speaking at the occasion, Adebayo said if the staff members work to further the diversification process in NAN, it would not only sustain the workforce, but also expand it.
He said: “There is a school of thought that says that print media will go into extinction because of the invention of smartphones.
“People get news now as it breaks and they have other options.
“However, I believe that diversification of business is inevitable for the survival of the media and if we commit ourselves, we can ensure its survival.”
He said NAN was not a place he could forget so easily because all his life achievements had come through it.
Adebayo, who joined the services of NAN on August 5, 1980, said he started work in the editorial department before being moved to the marketing department.
He said he had no regrets because God had been faithful to him and the cooperation of the entire Lagos office staff had made the place joyful.
Adebayo advised the staff to continue in the spirit of brotherliness that exists in the agency.
During the event, members of staff and friends took turns to pour accolades on Adebayo, who was described as a kind, peace-loving, humble and hardworking mentor.
Joe Bankole, the new Head, Lagos Directorate and Chairman of the occasion, said Adebayo was a man of honour, wisdom, integrity and leader of leaders.
Bankole said: “He is a goal getter, an achiever and an administrator.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge to whatever he does.
“We are honouring a man of honour today and he deserves all the accolades.”
The Head, NAN Marketing, Kate Popoola, described him as a mentor par excellence.
A NAN retiree, Bernard Isichie, recalled how Adebayo had once helped to repair his broken-down vehicle.
Isichie said: “I want to say thank you.
“God bless Adebayo wherever he goes.”
The Bureau Chief, Pan African News Agency, Segun Adeyemi, described Adebayo as a generous friend, boss and father.
“He is not perfect but he has a perfect heart and I thank him for his professional competence,” Adeyemi said.
NAN reports that Adebayo’s wife, Ife Adebayo, was also present at the occasion.
NAN.