Governance

Hold govt. accountable on SDGs implementation – Abiodun Owonikoko

By Web News 621

By Rotimi Famakin

Media professionals in Nigeria have been advised to constantly hold the government accountable and promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, by emphasizing the need for its implementation.

A renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr Abiodun Owonikoko advised while delivering a lecture organized by members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Chapel, held at Studio one, Broadcasting House, Dugbe, Ibadan.

 Speaking on the lecture entitled “Government and its policies: Effects on the masses” Mr Owonikoko lamented the prevailing poverty among the masses in Nigeria attributing it to past bad leadership. 

While charging the NUJ members to perform its watchdog roles by holding the government accountable to its responsibilities, the legal luminary said media professionals in the country should bring the 17 SDGs of the United Nations to the front burner of government for implementation

” The 17th goal talked about partnership for the goals. Partnership means that the government it is not government alone. Part of your responsibilities as the fourth estate of the realm, you are to educate the people.”

Mr Owonikoko who explained that 63 per cent of Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor at different levels attributed the poverty crises in the country to unstable past policies of government.

  The legal luminary who said Nigerian economy, infrastructure and institutions competed favourably with its counterparts in other developed countries of the world many years ago emphasized revisit to the nation’s constitution.  

 “In the 70s, there was pipe-borne water everywhere, not even boreholes. You have a public tap, you can fetch water for your house.  The roads were motorable and safe while universities competed favourably with those overseas, if not better.

 “I’m sure about this when we were going to the university in the early 70s, 80s, and 90s, it is only those who could not make it through the rigorous way of doing things in Nigeria university that travel abroad. We have foreigners schooling with us”.

 Mr Owonikoko who said hopes for the nation’s socio-economic and political restoration was not lost emphasized the need for political appointees of President Bola Tinubu to live up to the president’s expectation through effective service delivery.

“On the policy side, they are getting it right, it is at the implementation they are getting it wrong”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman, FRCN Ibadan chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Mr Oluwakayode Banjo noted that the lecture title was apt as it would broaden the knowledge horizon of Nigerians on the position of government and the impact of its policies on the people.

“The topic of the lecture: Government and its policies: Effects on the masses, we are the masses and successive governments come and go they make different policies and projections and the effect is always on the common man, the masses. We want to know how these policies affect us as masses and what should the government look at before making these policies.”

 Speaking in the same vein, the NUJ chairman in Oyo State, Mr Ademola Babalola said Nigerian masses are suffering saying government must consider their plight and be mindful of needless spending on overseas travel.

The Zonal Director FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Dominick Mokikan said Nigerian journalists must truly serve as the link between the masses and the government through adequate information dissemination.

Mr Mokikan urged Nigerians to also have hope of a better Nigerian and pray for their leaders.

 

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Communication

Live by Ethics of your Calling, Cleric Tells FRCN NUJ

By Web News 812

By Rotimi Famakin

Journalists in the country have been advised to strive for excellence while discharging their duties. 

The General Overseer, World Outreach Revival Centre, WOREC, Adegbayi, Ibadan, Apostle Peter Akanji gave the advice while addressing members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan chapel during a thanksgiving service marking the commencement of the chapel’s press week.

 Apostle Akanji, explained that it was important that FRCN staff be role models and pacesetters in broadcasting, as contemporaries were watching the performance of FRCN newsmen.

“I want encourage you to strive for excellence. Be a role model, others are watching you. Be a role model in your character and endeavours. I also want you to plan for the future.”

Earlier in his message Entitled: 2024; the Year of Destiny Recovery with Double Bonus” taking his text from 1 Samuel chapter 30 verse 8, Apostle Akanji expressed optimism that 2024 would be a better year for Nigerians, urging Christians to persevere and pray for the nation’s leaders.

The cleric, however, urged the Federal Government to prioritize the provision of jobs for the nation’s youths, road infrastructure, and security of lives and property.

In his remark, Chairman, FRCN Ibadan chapel of the NUJ,  Mr Oluwakayode Banjo, said the union considered it needful to express gratitude to God having survived the ordeals of the outgoing year.

 Mr Banjo, who pledged to continue to uphold the ethics of the profession, said Ibadan FRCN chapel was set on the mission of recovering its lost glory not only in the state but also at the national level.

“God gave us victory over the challenges that rose against us in 2023. Despite all, God has been faithful to us. We appreciate Him. We give all the glory and that is why we want to start the press week with a thanksgiving note.

 “I am happy with the sermon of our Apostle: Destiny Recovery with Double Bonus, also NUJ, FRCN, Ibadan chapel, used to be a giant chapel in Oyo state and we are on the mission of total recovery. We have started that work now”

He however implored the cleric to continue to echo the truth to Nigerian leaders without intimidation.

The event featured special songs and special prayers for the FRCN union members.

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Lifestyle

Oyo NAWOJ Hails Members For Applaudable Attendance At The Ongoing Oyo NUJ Press week – Congratulates Florence Ajimobi

By Web News 940

Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Oyo State Chapter has commended its members for coming out enmass to participate in the 2021 Oyo NUJ Press Week.

In a release jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Omolola Alamu and the Secretary, Comrade Ramat Alade shortly after the programmes marking the second day of the NUJ Press Week held at the NUJ Press Center, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

NAWOj described the organisation of the events as commendable and a step above last year programmes.

The chairperson affirmed that the present NAWOJ in the state is an association where every member is involved hence the need to give active supports to the Demola Babalola led administration in moving OYO NUJ to a greater height.

She said “Oyo NUJ is highly commended for its unprecedented achievements in the last two years in office. NAWOJ appreciates the calibre of personalities the Union has bestowed with awards of Excellence among whom is the former First lady of Oyo state Chief Mrs Florence Abiola Ajimobi who was awarded with the most influencer woman of the year”.

She stressed that it is a well deserved honor on her Excellency considering her active involvement in the well being of women and children in Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole.

Oyo NAWOJ also congratulates her Excellency on the new achievement added to her cap and prayed God to bless her abundantly and give her the most required sound health to continue contributing positively to the life of the populace especially women and children.

Anthonia Akanji