*receives Oyo NUJ best Media-Friendly Governor award
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde on Monday charged journalists in the state to be objective and professional by basing their reports on issues and not sentiment.
Governor Makinde stated this in Ibadan while declaring open the 2021 Oyo state NUJ Press week where he was awarded the best Media-Friendly Governor
The governor stressed that there is the need for journalists especially those in Oyo state to be objective, fair and balance in their reports .
Speaking through the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the governor solicited the support of journalists in the state
“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”, he said.
The governor added, ” we will continue to do our best in repositioning our state for the better.”
Speaking further, Governor Makinde maintained that his administration had fulfilled majority of his campaign promises in 2019 election, adding, “I promised to reposition LAUTECH, we did it and make it solely owned by Oyo State.”
The governor said, ” our healthcare facilities were in comatose before we came on board but we have fixed over 100 primary health care centres”, saying, ” 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.
A business mogul and patron of Oyo NUJ , Architect Bamidele Samson in his remarks tasked journalists in the state to continue writing in support of the national development, rather than promoting sectional interests.
” You must wake up to the challenges in 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.”
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu in her Goodwill message said “Press 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 Chairman, Oyo state NUJ, Alhaji Ademola Babalola while speaking commended the supports of Oyo NUJ members , saying despite the Coronavirus pandemic, the Union under him has continued to record tremendous achievements.
“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.”
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