The National Academy of Letters (NAL) has honoured Mr. Musa Alao Adedayo, publisher of ‘Alaroye’ newspaper and founder of Alaroye Online TV, for his role in making indigenous-language journalism a resource for academic research and teaching in Nigerian universities.

A statement issued on behalf of World Information Agents Limited by Gabriel Olaide Sosanya, Senior Manager (Admin and Corporate Affairs), on Friday, said Adedayo received the Maiden Award of Excellence in Humanistic Practice at the NAL annual awards ceremony, held on Thursday at the J. F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos.

The award, instituted in 2023, recognises professionals and practitioners outside academia whose creative work influences research, theses, dissertations, and lectures in tertiary institutions at both graduate and postgraduate levels.

Speaking after receiving the award, Adedayo said: “This honour is not just mine—it belongs to the Yoruba people whose stories, wisdom, and heritage continue to inspire my work. From the early days of ‘Alaroye’ to our global reach through Alaroye Online TV, my mission has been to keep our language and culture alive in the hearts of generations to come.”

He added that the recognition validates the link between his work and scholarship:

“It is gratifying to know that the work we do has become a resource for scholars and a bridge between culture and academia. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue building platforms—like the International Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture—where history, identity, and scholarship can thrive together.”

In a citation, the NAL commended Adedayo’s efforts in preserving Yoruba heritage while making it accessible to researchers and students. The Academy described him as “a practitioner whose contributions demonstrate the enduring relevance of humanistic practice in uniting communities and informing academic discourse.”