Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, press freedom, and a constructive relationship with the media.
Speaking yesterday during a dinner for media executives and stakeholders at the Government House Banquet Hall, the governor promised to foster an environment where journalists can operate without fear of intimidation.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that his early months in office were often marred by misinformation.
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He explained that his administration has since prioritised appointing seasoned professionals to correct falsehoods and streamline government-press communication.
The governor emphasised that his administration would not suppress dissent, encouraging journalists to provide honest feedback and criticism to aid the government’s learning.
“Freedom of expression is allowed. People can speak their minds, even if they criticise me directly,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
He urged the press to remain professional and verify reports, noting that while anonymous sources can provide leads, they can also distort facts.
He assured stakeholders that the government’s focus remains on learning from reports rather than pursuing those behind unverified claims.
In a significant gesture to alleviate the operational challenges faced by the press, the governor announced the donation of a new bus to the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel.
He also pledged to address outstanding institutional needs, including the maintenance and upgrade of the NUJ Press Centre.
As part of his commitments, he donated a brand-new, fully operational bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel.
He further disclosed that a legal review was ongoing to facilitate the conversion of Owena Press Limited into a corporation.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional support by upgrading the NUJ Press Centre, while staff welfare was addressed through scholarship initiatives and increased allowances for press staff.
During the event, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Leke Adegbite, decorated Aiyedatiwa as the Grand Patron of the union.
Adegbite lauded the governor for appointing veteran journalists to key roles, such as the Commissioner for Information and the Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
The Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, and the CPS, Ebenezer Adeniyan, both highlighted the improved relations between the media and the state house.
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Adeniyan detailed existing support measures, including scholarships for children of deceased journalists and increased visibility for media houses.
The dinner concluded with a shared pledge for deeper collaboration and mutual respect, positioning the press as a vital partner in the state’s development.
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