In a move aimed at strengthening media operations and supporting journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the donation of an brand new bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council.
The governor made the approval on Saturday night during a Media Stakeholders’ Dinner held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, where journalists, media executives and government officials gathered to review the state of media–government relations in the state.
The approval followed a passionate appeal by the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Tosin Ajuwon, who had earlier hailed Governor Aiyedatiwa for his visible developmental strides across Ondo State, which he said were being driven by the administration’s OUR EASE Agenda.
He noted that the agenda had translated into tangible and people-oriented projects in critical sectors, pointing to landmark interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and urban renewal across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to him, the spread and impact of the projects had reinforced public confidence in the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development, while also repositioning Ondo State on the path of steady socio-economic growth.
Particularly, he drew the governor’s attention to the transportation challenges confronting correspondents covering government activities across the state.
Ajuwon explained that members of the chapel, who represent national newspapers often travel long distances to cover official assignments, sometimes under difficult conditions.
“Your Excellency, the Correspondents’ Chapel plays a critical role in projecting Ondo State to the nation. However, mobility has remained a major challenge for our members. An official bus will greatly enhance our efficiency, safety and prompt reportage,” Ajuwon pleaded.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the media as a strategic partner in governance, noting that responsible journalism is indispensable to democracy, transparency and public accountability.
He said the media remains the bridge between government and the people, stressing that without the media, government policies, programmes and achievements will not get to the grassroots.
He immediately approved the request, directing that a brand new bus be provided for the Correspondents’ Chapel to ease their movement and enhance effective coverage of government activities.
“I have listened to your request, we have three of the buses, two has been given out, the remaining one, you have my approval for it. This is our own way of supporting the media to do their job better,” Aiyedatiwa declared, to loud applause from journalists at the event.
The governor further assured media practitioners of his administration’s commitment to press freedom, openness and regular engagement, stressing that constructive criticism from the media helps government to serve the people better.
He urged journalists in the state to continue to uphold the ethics of the profession by being fair, accurate and balanced in their reportage.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Ondo State NUJ Council Prince Leke Adegbite, praised the governor for his media-friendly disposition, and reeling out the challenges facing practitioners in the state, particularly the welfare of staffers of Owena Press (Hope Newspaper) and staff members of the Ministry of Information and Orientation.