Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, freedom of expression and closer engagement with journalists, promising a more constructive and mutually respectful relationship with the media in the state.
The Governor made the assurances on Saturday during a dinner with media executives and stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure, where he outlined his administration’s approach to information dissemination, accountability and engagement with the press.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, which began in December 2023, Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that misinformation and unverified narratives often dominated public discourse, creating misunderstandings and tension between the press and the government.
He noted that officials were appointed to correct falsehoods and improve communication, culminating in his first formal engagement with media stakeholders in early 2024.
Emphasising the importance of openness, the Governor assured that dissent 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 crucial for accountability and learning.
He urged journalists to report responsibly, recognising that anonymous sources can sometimes distort facts. “Our focus is on learning from reports rather than pursuing unnamed individuals,” he added, highlighting the need for context when interpreting public statements, speeches and creative expressions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised journalists for publishing factual accounts of government activities, underlining their role in informing the public and reinforcing democratic principles.
He assured that the administration would continue to provide timely clarifications and accurate information to support responsible reporting.
The Governor also committed to strengthening institutional support for the media, including facilities such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, while promising to address lingering challenges in due course. He announced the donation of a bus to the state Correspondents’ Chapel to ease media engagements.
He confirmed that plans to convert Owena Press Limited into a corporation are ongoing, adding that he had instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to review the legal implications, with findings yet to be presented to him.
The Governor 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 Ondo State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the Governor for prioritising action over propaganda. “We thank radio, television and newspaper organisations for focusing on what the government is doing,” he said, citing the 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 that the relationship between the government and the media improved significantly over the outgoing year.
He detailed government support initiatives through his office, including the provision of items to media houses, scholarships for children of deceased journalists, increased government visibility at media events and improved monthly allowances for press staff.
He stated that while the working relationship between the government and the media has not yet reached its full potential, it has recorded significant progress under the Aiyedatiwa administration.
Speaking on behalf of the electronic media, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Crest FM, Adeolu Gboyega, described the gathering as a valuable opportunity and urged the resolution of longstanding commitments dating back to the previous administration.
He also praised the CPS for improving relations between the government and the media, calling for greater support for the Governor’s spokesman.
On his part, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon, thanked the Governor for appointing one of their own as CPS and appealed for the provision of a bus to enhance media coverage, as well as more direct engagement between the press and cabinet members.
The Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council, Comrade Leke Adegbite, lauded the appointment of experienced journalists as Commissioner for Information and CPS, applauding their dedication to duty.
He highlighted the need to address ageing manpower in the Ministry of Information and pension concerns affecting Owena Press staff.
Adegbite noted that, by tradition, the sitting Governor is the Grand Patron of the union; accordingly, Governor Aiyedatiwa was decorated as NUJ Grand Patron at the event.
Dignitaries present 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.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
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