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…as annual NUJ week begins

 

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has charged journalists to be impartial in their reports, adding that there’s no democracy without a free press.

He admonished Media practitioners during the opening ceremony of the 2021 press week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council held at the Union’s Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, governor Makinde who was awarded the best Media-Friendly Governor in the history of the 45-year-old pacesetter state said he had fulfilled majority of his campaign promises in 2019 election.

Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun sought for the support of journalists in the state.

He said; “I promised to reposition LAUTECH, we did it and make it solely owned by Oyo State. Our healthcare facilities were in comatose before we came on board but we have fixed over 100 primary health care centres. Another 100 will be ready before the end of year 2022. We promised free education and quality healthcare services and we have done them.

“We have also reposition unprecedented number of Infrastructures, including opening up of new roads. Notable amongst these are the Iseyin-Oyo road; Moniya- Ibadan-Iseyin road, and many township roads.

“By the time we complete the township roads, economy will improve in those towns. When you are reporting please be objective and professional.

“Be objective, fair and balance in your reports . We are not saying you should be supporting us but report on issues. We shouldn’t report on sentiment. I am very happy, my boss is very happy and we cherish this award. We will continue to do our best in repositioning our state for the better.

Corroborating the Governor’s stance were a former senator representing Oyo central senatorial district, Monsurat Sunmonu, the President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and a business mogul, Architect Bamidele Samson.

Architect Samson, a patron of the union and business mogul, urged journalists in the state to continue writing in support of national development, rather than promoting sectional interests.

He said; “Journalists don’t retire. You must wake up to the challenges of the country. We depend on you for betterment of Nigeria as the forth estate of the realm. When Christians are doing event, you are expected to attend.

“When Muslims are holding their events, you are expected to be there. When Sango and Oya worshippers are doing their event you are expected to be there. Correct it when things are not working out. Write good report and publish for national development.”

On her part, Senator Sunmonu promised to continue supporting journalists in the state, saying Oyo state will continue to be a pacesetter state in the country.

“Journalists are the first contact. It is whatever they say that people will be carrying everywhere. I am your friend and I can assure you that we will always be there for you.

The President General of CCII, Adeaga urged members of the union to support the executive of the union to achieve more of their lofty dreams in line with the aims of the founding fathers of the union.

Earlier, the chairman of the State council, Comrade Ademola Babalola commended members of the union, saying despite the coronavirus pandemic, the Union under him has continued to record tremendous achievements.

He said; “By next year, we are going to be more aggressive on training and retraining of journalists. In the last one year, we are able to achieve what we have not achieved many years ago, I mean the Journalists estate. It is our legacy project and encourage more members and leaders to subscribe for the land.”

By oyonews

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