Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, freedom of expression and stronger engagement with journalists, as he hosted media executives and stakeholders to a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure.
The Governor said the engagement was part of deliberate efforts to deepen mutual respect, accountability and constructive collaboration between the government and the media in the state.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, which began in December 2023, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that misinformation and unverified narratives initially dominated public discourse, often creating tension between the government and the press.
He explained that officials were later appointed to address falsehoods and strengthen communication, culminating in his first formal engagement with media stakeholders in early 2024.
Emphasising openness and tolerance, the Governor assured that dissenting opinions 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 essential for accountability and learning.
He urged journalists to report responsibly, noting that anonymous sources can sometimes distort facts. According to him, the administration’s focus is on learning from media reports rather than pursuing unnamed individuals, while also stressing the importance of proper context in interpreting public statements, speeches and creative expressions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended journalists for publishing factual accounts of government activities, describing the media as a critical pillar of democracy.
He assured that the administration would continue to provide timely clarifications and accurate information to support responsible reporting.
The Governor also pledged to strengthen institutional support for the media, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, and announced the donation of a bus to the state Correspondents for ease of media coverage.
He further confirmed that plans to convert Owena Press Limited into a corporation are ongoing, adding that he had directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to review the legal implications, with findings yet to be submitted.
Describing the dinner as a foundation for deeper collaboration, the Governor thanked the media for their cooperation and commitment to accurate reporting in Ondo State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the Governor for prioritising action over propaganda, thanking radio, television and print media for focusing on tangible government achievements.
He cited the proposed billion-dollar refinery project as one of the largest industrial undertakings in the state’s history.
In his welcome address, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, noted significant improvement in government–media relations over the past year. He highlighted support initiatives through his office, including provision of items to media organisations, scholarships for children of widows of journalists, increased government presence at media events and enhanced monthly allowances for press staff.
Adeniyan acknowledged that while the relationship has not reached its full potential, considerable progress has been made under the Aiyedatiwa administration.
Speaking on behalf of electronic media, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Crest FM, Adeolu Gboyega, described the engagement as timely and constructive, urging the government to resolve outstanding commitments inherited from the previous administration.
He also praised the Chief Press Secretary for improving relations between the government and the media.
The Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon, thanked the Governor for appointing one of their own as CPS and appealed for a dedicated bus for media coverage, as well as increased engagement between journalists and cabinet members.
Similarly, the Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council, Comrade Leke Adegbite, lauded the appointment of seasoned journalists as Commissioner for Information and CPS, while drawing attention to manpower challenges at the Ministry of Information and pension concerns affecting Owena Press staff.
Adegbite noted that by tradition, the sitting Governor serves as the Grand Patron of the NUJ, and accordingly, Governor Aiyedatiwa was decorated as NUJ Grand Patron at the event.
Dignitaries at the dinner included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Special Adviser on Communication, Mr Allen Sowore; Director-General of OSRC, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; and SUBEB Chairman, Rt Hon Victor Olabimtan.
