The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has solicited the support of journalists in the state for his administration’s agenda.
Makinde solicited the support while declaring open the 2021 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan Monday.
Makinde, who is the Grand Patron of the 45-year-old Council was conferred with the Best Media-Friendly award at the occasion.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, Makinde said he had fulfilled the majority of his campaign promises made ahead of the 2019 election.
He said; “I promised to reposition Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), we did it and made it solely owned by Oyo State. Our healthcare facilities were 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 the year 2022. We promised free education and quality healthcare services and we have done them.
“We have also repositioned an 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, the economy will improve in those towns. When you are reporting, please be objective and professional.
“Be objective, fair and balanced in your reports. We are not saying you should be supporting us, but report issues. We shouldn’t report on sentiment. I am very happy and cherish this award. We will continue to do our best in repositioning our state for the better.
Others who spoke at the occasion include a former Senator who represented Oyo Central Senatorial District, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, the President-General Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Prince Yemisi Adeaga and a business mogul, Architect Bamidele Samson. They all tasked journalists with nation-building.
Architect Bamidele, who is also a Patron of the union in the state, urged journalists to continue writing in support of national development, rather than promoting sectional interests.
According to him; “Journalists don’t retire. You must wake up to the challenges of the country. We depend on you for the betterment of Nigeria as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. When Christians are holding events, you are expected to attend. When Muslims are holding theirs, you are expected to be there. When Sango and Oya worshippers are staging theirs, you are expected to be there. Correct it when things are not working out. Write good reports and publish for national development”, he said.
On her part, Senator Sunmonu promised to continue supporting journalists in the state, saying Oyo State will continue to be the pacesetter state in the country.
“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. She declared.
Prince Arteaga, on his part, urged members of the union to support the executive members of the union to achieve more of their lofty dreams in line with the aims of the founding fathers of the union.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the state council of NUJ, Comrade Ademola Babalola commended the supports of 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 year, we were able to achieve what we have not achieved many years ago, I mean the Journalists’ Estate. It is our legacy project and encourages more members and leaders to subscribe to the land.”
