By Nofisat Adeoye
The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has urged journalists in the state to report objective and thoroughly researched news.
Aregbesola said this at the opening ceremony of the 2017 press week of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Correspondents’ chapel in Osogbo.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for information and strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, implored the press to thoroughly research information before disseminating it to the public.
Aregbesola who lamented that reliability in journalism has long been eroded, however, urged pen pushers to redeem their image.
He said journalists should avoid being politicians’ media tools and stop reporting any rumour against the Government as well as backing up their information with facts.
According to him, ” I thank the press men for this invitation, I acknowledge your support for the administration and I feel at home here. The Government knows the value of journalists and we wish you the best as you celebrate your press week.
“I will however urge that you maintain your good image, back your information facts and not attack the government blindly. It is a pity reliability in journalism has been long eroded and I wonder how nowadays journalists oppose a developmental government.
“This should not be. However, the State Government will continue to support you but I urge you to live up to expectations.” Aregbesola added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel and Correspondent of DailyTrust Newspaper, Prince Hameed Oyagbade, said the occasion was to sensitize the public, especially upcoming journalists on the roles of journalists in the society.
Oyegbade said the press week was also to celebrate journalists for the crucial roles they play in feeding the public with adequate information. He also acknowledged the state government’s support for the media and thanked all the invited guests.
Speaking on the topic themed, “Nigerian Polity and the Fourth Estate of the realm”, the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf urged the press men to act as the watch dog they are and engage in investigative reports capable of making the government accountable to the public as contained in the constitution.
