By Fasilat Lawal/Rotimi Famakin
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has advised media professionals to continue to play the role of informing, educating and entertaining while also holding public institutions accountable.
Governor Makinde who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi stated this while declaring open the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, at the Union’s State Secretariat Iyaganku, in Ibadan.
The governor maintained that the media as an instrument of unity has remained a trusted partner in the journey to build a better Oyo State, which he said was founded on transparency, inclusion, and people-centered governance as reported by the media.
Commenting on the theme, “Democracy and the Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria”, Governor Makinde who said it was timely in view of the forthcoming 2027 General Election explained that the subject would further strengthen democratic values and ensure that leadership at all levels truly serve the people.
The guest lecturer who is also the Patron of the state NUJ Council, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, stressed that the search for quality leadership in Nigeria requires attitudinal change and collaborative efforts of every Nigerian.
Oloye Adegoke, urged everyone to work together to build a better Nigeria where leaders are chosen based on merit rather than mediocrity.
In a remark, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman Conference of Speakers in Nigeria, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin who acknowledged that the media was the fourth estate of the realm and an integral component of governance, promised to facilitate workshop for journalists with the legislative and executive arms in the State to deepen knowledge on good governance.
In their good will messages, Special Assistant on Labour Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Titilola Sodo and also the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Suleiman Olarenwaju said NUJ is a partner in progress in Labour struggles with numerous evidence of achievements.
He however charged journalists to remain undaunted in setting agenda for transparency, democracy and good governance.
Earlier in an address of Welcome ,Chairman of NUJ, OYO State Council, Mr Ademola Babalola said this year’s celebration was unique as it marks the end of his tenure as the Union’s Chairman.
Mr Babalola who noted that a profound achievement of his administration was the establishment of the NITDA ICT centre to enhance service delivery of the Union members appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his unflinching support to the State NUJ which was made manifest through the governor’s consistent partnership.
The event featured presentation of Awards to the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly , Mr Adebo Ogundoyin as Outstanding Legislator of the year and Patron of Oyo State NUJ, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke as Friend of the Media.
