By HeapNews

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, for its pivotal role in fostering development and good governance in the Sunshine State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the union’s 2024 Press Week and public lecture in Akure, the Governor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the press as a critical link between the government and the people.
“As journalists, being the Fourth Estate of the Realm, it is expected of you to keep an eye on those in authority, be it the Executive, Legislature, or the Judiciary. You are expected to serve as watchdogs and protect the interests of the general populace,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear of intimidation or harassment. He also encouraged journalists to maintain professionalism, especially in combating disinformation and quackery in the profession.
The Governor added, “Journalists serve as the voice of the voiceless in society by ventilating grievances for them to be heard and addressed by the government. This onerous task must not be shied away from at any time.”

The event featured a public lecture and a panel discussion on the theme: Setting Agenda Amidst Electioneering Paradox and Elusive Economic Development in Nigeria: The Media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
- Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, the lead speaker, criticized the negative role of ethnicity in Nigeria’s development and called for reforms to break the status quo.
- Dr. Abbass Mimiko, a former governorship candidate, emphasized the press’s role as the voice of the masses, stating that democracy thrives when the people’s votes count.
- Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, represented by Barrister Kayode Taiwo, highlighted the media’s role in educating the electorate and ensuring accountability in leadership.
In his welcome address, NUJ Chairman Prince Leke Adegbite appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide a bailout for struggling federal media organisations and urged the Ondo State Government to improve the financial stability of state-owned media houses.
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The event also saw the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ondo State Chapter, Ademola Odudu, receiving the Distinguished Ondo State Peace Ambassador of the Year award.
Hon. Abiola Makinde, Chairman of the occasion and a House of Representatives member, underscored the importance of a responsible press in national development. He noted, “The press week reminds us of the significance of free speech and the press’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded by assuring continued support for the media, emphasizing the administration’s partnership with journalists to drive progress in Ondo State.