By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, a former senator representing Oyo central senatorial district, Monsurat Sunmonu, the President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and a business mogul, Architect Bamidele Samson on Monday tasked journalists on nation-building.
They spoke at the 2021 opening ceremony annual press week of the Oyo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, held at the Union’s Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, governor Makinde who was awarded the best Media-Friendly Governor in the history of the 45-year-old pacesetter state said he had fulfilled the majority of his campaign promises in the 2019 election.
Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun sought the support of journalists in the state.
He said; “I promised to reposition LAUTECH, we did it and make 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 reporting on issues. We shouldn’t report on sentiment. I am very happy, my boss is very happy and we cherish this award. We will continue to do our best in repositioning our state for the better.
A patron of the union in the state and business mogul, Samson urged journalists in the state to continue writing in support of the national development, rather than promoting sectional interests.
He said; “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 doing events, 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 reports and publish for national development.”
Earlier, the chairman of the State Council of the 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 are 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 for the land.”
On her part, the former 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.
The President General of CCII, Adeaga urged members of the union to support the executives of the union to achieve more of their lofty dreams in line with the aims of the founding fathers of the union.
