In a ceremony that celebrated the symbiotic relationship between ethical journalism and corporate excellence, Mr. Gowon Frederick Onuh, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Systems Ltd, was bestowed with a significant honour. Also in the First Systems Limited team at the event, was Mrs. Pauline Oloche, the versatile Head Of Marketing/Digital Innovations of the reputable establishment.
During the prestigious NUJ Correspondents Chapel Press Week and Awards event held on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Onuh received the Award for Excellence in Automotive Paints Brands.
The event, a convergence of Nigeria’s most influential voices from the media, public, and private sectors, was not only an occasion for accolades but also a platform for a profound discourse on media responsibility, a cause Mr. Onuh passionately champions.
The atmosphere at the LCCI was charged with a sense of purpose as the Chapel unveiled and launched its maiden official magazine, THE CHAPEL.
Demonstrating his unwavering support for the Fourth Estate, Mr. Onuh stepped forward to contribute financially to the launch of this new publication, underscoring his belief in empowering credible journalistic ventures. Upon receiving his award and a complimentary copy of the magazine, he expressed sincere gratitude to the Correspondents Chapel for the recognition.
However, his acceptance speech swiftly transitioned into a heartfelt admonition, as he enjoined the assembled journalists to uphold the highest standards of their profession by rigorously verifying information before disseminating it to the public.
This call for integrity was a central theme in his formal goodwill message, distributed to all awardees and attendees, wherein he extolled the virtues of journalism and pledged his continuous support for its noble aspirations.
Mr. Onuh’s message was further elaborated in a dedicated address to journalists after the main event, where he delved deep into the nitty-gritty of research and verification. With the authority of a seasoned business leader, he highlighted the irreversible damage that misinformation can inflict on both reputation and business.
Using his own company’s premium product, Sikkens, as a poignant example, he illustrated a common industry problem. “You would see a situation whereby in an attempt to go for something cheaper, they go for a low-quality product, and because we are not in line, some people would say it is original as Sikkens. That is misinformation,” he explained.
His point was clear: even a brand synonymous with quality is not immune to the perils of false narratives, making journalistic diligence not just an ethical choice but an economic necessity.
This profound understanding of market dynamics and reputation management is born from a remarkable career. The 55-year-old accounting graduate from Benue State Polytechnic and Joseph Ayo Babalola University, who is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, has built a reputation as a highly effective and resourceful leader. His professional journey, from overhauling the accounting department at Samhays Ltd to his pivotal role as the pioneer Accounts and Personnel Manager at the newly formed First System Refinishes Ltd in 2005, is a testament to his exceptional skills. His demonstrable ability to coordinate teams, motivate staff, and achieve corporate objectives led to his appointment as MD/CEO in 2009. Under his stewardship, First Systems Ltd has solidified its pride of place as the sole franchise holder of Sikkens automotive paints and the representative of Italy’s Nova Verta spray booths, becoming a widely acknowledged leader in its sphere.
The award from the NUJ Correspondents Chapel is, therefore, not merely a recognition of commercial success, but a validation of a career built on integrity, innovation, and an unshakeable commitment to the truth—a principle he rightly insists must guide both the boardroom and the newsroom.
