Aiyedatiwa Assures Ondo Journalists of Free Operations

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, freedom of expression and closer engagement with journalists, promising a more constructive and mutually respectful relationship with the media in the state.

The Governor made the assurances on Saturday during a dinner with media executives and stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, where he outlined his administration’s approach to information dissemination, accountability and engagement with the press.

Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, which began in December 2023, Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that misinformation and unverified narratives often dominated public discourse, creating misunderstandings and tension between the press and government.

Emphasising the importance of openness, the Governor assured that dissent would not be suppressed. “Freedom of expression is allowed. People can speak their minds, even if they criticise me directly,” he said, stressing that such engagement is crucial for accountability and learning.

He urged journalists to report responsibly, recognising that anonymous sources can sometimes distort facts. “Our focus is on learning from reports rather than pursuing unnamed individuals,” he added, highlighting the need for context when interpreting public statements, speeches and creative expressions.

Governor Aiyedatiwa praised journalists for publishing factual accounts of government activities, underlining their role in informing the public and reinforcing democratic principles.

He assured that the administration would continue to provide timely clarifications and accurate information to support responsible reporting.

The Governor also committed to strengthening institutional support for the media, including facilities such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, while promising to address lingering challenges in due course. He announced the donation of a bus to the state Correspondents for ease of engagements.

He confirmed that plans to convert Owena Press Limited into a corporation are ongoing, adding that he had instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to review the legal implications, with findings yet to be presented to him.

The Governor thanked the media for their cooperation, describing the parley as a foundation for deeper collaboration, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to accurate reporting in Ondo State.

Earlier, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the Governor for prioritising action over propaganda. “We thank the radio, TV and newspapers for focusing on what the government is doing,” he said, citing the billion-dollar refinery project as one of the largest industrial undertakings in the state’s history.

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In his welcome address, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, noted that the relationship between the government and the media has improved greatly in the outgoing year.

He detailed government’s support initiatives through his office, including provision items to media houses, scholarships for children of widows of journalists, increased government visibility at media events and increased monthly allowances for press staff.

He stated that while the working relationship between the government and the media is yet to reach its full potential, it has made significant progress under the Aiyedatiwa administration.

Speaking on behalf of electronic media, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Crest FM, Adeolu Gboyega, described the gathering as a valuable opportunity and urged the resolution of longstanding commitments dating back to the previous administration.

He also praised the CPS for improving relations between the government and the media, urging more support for the governor’s spokesman.

On his part, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon, thanked the Governor for appointing one of their own as CPS and appealed for a bus for media coverage and more direct engagement between the press and cabinet members.

The NUJ Ondo State Council Chairman, Comrade Leke Adegbite, lauded the appointment of experienced journalists as Commissioner for Information and CPS, applauding their dedication to the job.

He highlighted the need to address ageing manpower in the Ministry of Information and pension concerns for Owena Press staff.

Adegbite noted that, customarily, the sitting Governor is the Grand Patron of the union; and accordingly, Governor Aiyedatiwa was decorated as NUJ Grand Patron at the event.