By Babatunde Ayedoju
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has described the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, as a dependable ally in the development of the Sunshine State.
The Governor made this statement at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Press Week and public lecture at the union’s secretariat in Akure on Tuesday.
While thanking the union for his investiture as Ondo State NUJ Grand Patron, the Governor, who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the press as a link between the government and the people.
He added that his administration is committed to creating an environment that allows journalists to operate freely without fear of intimidation or harassment.
In his words: “As journalists, being the Fourth Estate of the Realm, it is expected of you to keep an eye on those in authority, be it the Executive, Legislature, or the Judiciary. You are expected to serve as watchdogs and protect the interests of the general populace.
“Journalists serve as the voice of the voiceless in society by ventilating grievances for them to be heard and addressed by the government. This onerous task must not be shied away from at any time.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa admonished Ondo State journalists to demonstrate utmost professionalism in the face of threats posed to the profession by quackery and disinformation. He also charged them to use their pens, which he described as mightier than the sword, for the development of society.
The event featured a panel discussion on the topic: Setting Agenda Amidst Electioneering Paradox and Elusive Economic Development in Nigeria: The Media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
The lead speaker, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, decried the negative role ethnicity has played in impeding Nigeria’s political and economic development. He stated that until necessary reforms are carried out, the status quo will remain.
Adu, who extolled the forefathers of journalism in Nigeria for exposing societal ills, encouraged his audience to cooperate and forge ahead together.
He said, “Identify where your strength lies and explore it. Beyond merely reporting what you have seen, say it in a way that suggests how Nigeria can be better. The moment you do that, people who have not been patronising you will become interested.”
Another speaker and governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the recently conducted gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Dr. Abbass Mimiko, described the press as the representative and voice of the masses. According to him, this is why the media is referred to as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
While stating that democracy does not promise automatic good governance but empowers the masses to choose their leaders, Mimiko added that the people’s votes must count for progress and good governance to be achieved.
In his words: “Journalists are the conscience of society, correcting ills. I don’t know anywhere in the world that can boast of the courage of Nigerian journalists. However, it’s critically important that you educate people that whatever they do affects them and posterity. Don’t shy away from criticising leaders when the need arises. Your conscience must remain sacrosanct because that’s the legacy of your forerunners.”
Also, the Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial district, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, who was represented by Barrister Kayode Taiwo, stressed that the media remains one of the strongest institutions for national discourse. He added that the media plays a crucial role in educating the electorate and holding leaders accountable.
While noting that the media is not a passive observer but an active participant in national development, he charged journalists to prioritise ethics and professionalism, focus on facts, embrace technology, and enhance fact-checking and audience engagement.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a special bailout to rescue federal media organisations in the country.
He also appealed to the Ondo State Government to help improve the financial status of state-owned media organisations, particularly Owena Press, publisher of The Hope title.
While thanking the Governor for allowing NUJ members to serve in his cabinet, Adegbite urged the Governor to consider more qualified union members for appointment as permanent secretaries.
The Chairman of the occasion and House of Representatives member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, stated that the NUJ plays a vital role in fostering a responsible press, which is essential for national development. He added that the press week serves as a reminder of the importance of free speech and an opportunity for journalists to reflect on their pivotal role in shaping public opinion.
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ondo State Chapter, Ademola Odudu, was also honoured at the event with an award of excellence as the Distinguished Ondo State Peace Ambassador of the Year.