In a move aimed at strengthening media operations and supporting journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the donation of a brand new bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council.
The governor announced the approval on Saturday night at a Media Stakeholders’ Dinner held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure.
The Nation reports that the event brought together journalists, media executives, and top government officials to review media-government relations in the state.
The approval followed a passionate appeal by the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Tosin Ajuwon, who commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as visible developmental strides across Ondo State under the administration’s OUR EASE Agenda.
Ajuwon said the agenda had translated into tangible, people-oriented projects across key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and urban renewal, cutting across the state’s three senatorial districts.
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According to him, the spread and impact of these projects had strengthened public confidence in the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, while repositioning the state on the path of sustainable socio-economic growth.
He, however, drew the governor’s attention to the transportation challenges faced by correspondents who cover government activities across the state.
“Your Excellency, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel represent national newspapers and often travel long distances under difficult conditions to cover official assignments. An official bus will significantly enhance our efficiency, safety, and prompt reportage,” Ajuwon pleaded.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the media as a strategic partner in governance, stressing that responsible journalism is indispensable to democracy, transparency, and accountability.
He noted that the media serves as the bridge between government and the people, adding that without journalists, government policies, programmes, and achievements would not effectively reach the grassroots.
The governor immediately approved the request, directing that a brand new bus be released to the Correspondents’ Chapel.
“I have listened to your request. We have three buses; two have been given out already. The remaining one has my approval. This is our way of supporting the media to do their job better,” Aiyedatiwa declared, to loud applause from journalists.
The governor further assured media practitioners of his administration’s commitment to press freedom, openness, and regular engagement, noting that constructive criticism helps the government to serve the people better.
He urged journalists to continue to uphold professional ethics by ensuring fairness, accuracy, and balance in their reportage.
Reflecting on the early days of his administration, which began in December 2023, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that misinformation and unverified narratives initially strained relations between the press and government.
He said the appointment of officials to address falsehoods and improve communication culminated in his first formal engagement with media stakeholders in early 2024.
“Freedom of expression is allowed. People can speak their minds, even if they criticise me directly. Ththe government learns and improves,” the governor said.
He cautioned against over-reliance on anonymous sources, noting that such reports could sometimes distort facts, while assuring that his administration prefers learning from reports rather than suppressing dissent.
Aiyedatiwa also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and institutional support for the media, including ongoing efforts to address challenges at the NUJ Press Centre.
He disclosed that plans to convert Owena Press Limited into a corporation were ongoing, adding that he had directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to review the legal implications.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the governor for prioritising action over propaganda, praising the media for focusing on government activities, including the state’s billion-dollar refinery project.
In his welcome address, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the relationship between the government and the media had improved significantly in the past year, listing several support initiatives extended to media organisations and journalists.
Speaking for the electronic media, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Crest FM, Adeolu Gboyega, urged the government to resolve outstanding commitments inherited from the previous administration, while commending Adeniyan for improving government-media relations.
The Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council, Comrade Leke Adegbite, praised the appointment of seasoned journalists as Commissioner for Information and CPS, while highlighting challenges facing Owena Press staff and the Ministry of Information.
He also noted that the sitting governor is traditionally the Grand Patron of the NUJ, and Governor Aiyedatiwa was accordingly decorated as Grand Patron at the event.
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