The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council has assured Gov. Dapo Abiodun of its renewed commitment at ensuring that the “Building Our Future Together” agenda of his administration succeeded.
This is contained in a communique issued on Monday at the end of a meeting by the NUJ Executives and Stakeholders , held at Iwe Iroyin in Abeokuta.
According to the communique signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Wale Olanrenwaju and Bunmi Adigun respectively, the Union rescinded its congress’ earlier stance as contained in its communique issued at the end of the March edition of its monthly congress to blacklist coverage of events of appointees of the Ogun State Government.
The Union clarified that the said communique was not to jeopardize the image and goodwill of government or severely undermine the strong media bonding the Union had shared with it.
The union stated that the communique was actually meant to remind and appeal to the Governor on various promises he made, as they affect the welfare and well-being of journalists, when he visited the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in August, 2023.
” Understanding the crucial statutory roles of the press to keep the public informed about the activities, programmes and policies of the government, and as well shining a light on important issues as they affect the society.
” The Union acknowledges that prompt rescission of the earlier decision remains sacrosanct, believing that it is through a press that a transparent and functioning democracy can be achieved,” the Union said.
The Ogun NUJ emphasized that Abiodun had been a media friendly Governor who had greatly demonstrated unequaled commitment to promoting a free press and unwavering resolve to developing journalists through various support mechanism.
” To this, he has shown greater zeal not to break the bond between him and the Union within the short period of time .
” We therefore acknowledge that current disturbing situation may have been due to a seeming communication gap between the Union and the government, which is one of the vital points raised during one of our meetings with the Governor, as a noise within the channel distorted the feedback gotten on our requests and expectations.
” However, the Union, having done all needed consultations and interfacing, has come to realise that government has not reneged on its promises to journalists, as it has kept its words with the populace, but ambiguous feedback informed the Union’s earlier decision.
” The Union, therefore, wishes to state unequivocally that it remains grateful and appreciative of the Governor’s gestures to the Union under the leadership of Comrade ‘Wale Olanrewaju,” the communique read.
The Ogun NUJ directed that members should be dedicated to objective reporting and keep the public well informed in advancing democracy and ensuring transparency and fulfillment of commitments made to the people of the state.
