Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has commended journalists in the state for effectively performing their constitutional role through adequate dissemination of information.
He gave the commendation at the annual public lecture and awards ceremony organised in Akure.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju appreciated all categories of journalists including the bloggers.
Akeredolu stressed that he holds them in high esteem, as they always ensure that the ears of the public are not blocked to information, and that the state is also well projected.
The Governor who also congratulated all the awardees for distinguishing themselves in their various human endeavours, encouraged them to intensify efforts at imparting more lives, so that the society can continue to benefit from their immense contribution.
Guest speaker, Dr Gbenga Abimbola tasked citizens and stakeholders to always hold the leaders accountable by making enquiries about governance and give constructive criticisms that will guarantee good governance.
The Adekunle Ajasin University don who spoke on “Moving Nigeria Forward: the imperative of accountability and transparency in governance” said that Nigeria can only move forward if her leaders are transparent and accountable to the people they govern.
He said the freedom of information Act was enacted not for only journalists to employ, but for all citizens as well and opined that any democracy without a formidable opposition that constructively criticise the activities of those in government, spells great doom for the society.
Eighteen men and women who distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours among whom was the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, honoured at the occasion.
