Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, press freedom and sustained engagement with journalists, promising a more constructive and mutually respectful relationship with media professionals in the state.
The Governor gave the assurance on Saturday at a dinner with media executives and stakeholders held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, where he outlined his approach to information management, accountability and engagement with the press.
Reflecting on the early phase of his administration, which commenced in December 2023, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that misinformation and unverified narratives initially dominated public discourse, often fuelling misunderstanding and tension between the government and the media.
He explained that steps were taken to correct false narratives and improve official communication, a process that culminated in his first formal engagement with media stakeholders in early 2024.
While stressing the importance of openness, the Governor assured that opposing views would not be stifled. “Freedom of expression is allowed. People can speak their minds, even if they criticise me directly,” he said, adding that constructive criticism remains vital for accountability and growth.
He urged journalists to uphold responsible reporting, noting that reliance on anonymous sources could sometimes distort facts. “Our focus is on learning from reports rather than pursuing unnamed individuals,” he said, while calling for proper context in interpreting public statements, speeches and creative expressions.
Aiyedatiwa commended journalists for factual reportage of government activities, describing the media as indispensable to public enlightenment and democratic governance.
He pledged that his administration would continue to provide timely clarifications and accurate information to aid responsible journalism.
The Governor also promised enhanced institutional support for the media, including interventions at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, while assuring that other outstanding challenges would be addressed in due course. He announced the donation of a bus to the state Correspondents for ease of coverage and engagement.
On Owena Press Limited, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that plans to convert the outfit into a corporation were ongoing, noting that he had directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to examine the legal implications, with a report yet to be submitted to him.
He 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 the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, praised the Governor for emphasising 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 ventures in Ondo State’s history.
In his welcome address, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the relationship between the government and the media had improved significantly in the outgoing year.
He outlined several support initiatives facilitated through his office, including provision of items to media organisations, scholarships for children of widows of journalists, increased government presence at media events and improved monthly allowances for press staff.
Adeniyan noted that although the relationship had not reached its peak, it had recorded notable progress under the Aiyedatiwa administration.
Speaking for the electronic media, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Crest FM, Adeolu Gboyega, described the meeting as timely and valuable, urging the government to resolve longstanding commitments inherited from the previous administration.
He also commended the CPS for strengthening ties between the government and the media, calling for increased support for the Governor’s spokesman.
Similarly, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon, thanked the Governor for appointing a journalist as CPS and appealed for a bus to aid media coverage, as well as more direct interaction between the press and members of the State Executive Council.
The NUJ Ondo State Council Chairman, Comrade Leke Adegbite, lauded the appointment of seasoned journalists as Commissioner for Information and CPS, praising their dedication to duty.
He raised concerns over ageing manpower in the Ministry of Information and pension issues affecting Owena Press staff.
Adegbite added that, in line with tradition, the sitting Governor serves as the Grand Patron of the union, and Governor Aiyedatiwa was accordingly decorated as NUJ Grand Patron at the event.
Dignitaries at the gathering included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; the Special Adviser on Communication, Mr Allen Sowore; the Director-General of OSRC, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; and the SUBEB Chairman, Rt Hon Victor Olabimtan.
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