Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has tasked journalists to be defender of the nation’s democracy.
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Makinde gave the charge on Sunday during the inauguration of new executives of Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ibadan.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan, stressed that the role of journalists in a democratic society could not be overemphasized.
He said that everyone in the society knew the power of the pen, saying ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’.
Makinde admonished journalists to hold on to the ethics of the profession by allowing objectivity and accuracy to dictate their reportage.
He said his administration would continue to be ‘pen-friendly’ and expressed readiness to assist the union in any way that would enhance the practice of the profession in the state.
Earlier, the new NUJ Chairman, Mr Ademola Babalola, promised to run the affairs of the union in a way that would be beneficial to all members.
He said the welfare of every journalist in the state would be paramount to him and other executive members.
Babalola implored members of the union not to hesitate in giving useful advice to the state executive, saying no one had monopoly of knowledge.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of certificates to Babalola, Secretary, Mr Sola Oladapo, Treasurer, Mr Abas Akeem, and other executive members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration was attended by key government functionaries, including Commissioner for Information, Wasiu Olatubosun, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa and Special Adviser on Media, Mr Jide Ajani.
Others were Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, who represented former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, Mr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, NLC Chairman, Oyo State, Mr Bayo Titilola-Sodo and Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu, the state director of National Orientation Agency.