…Lays Foundation of NUJ Shopping Complex
The Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Media, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode has advised the media to be more creative and engage in ventures that could make the union financially independent in order to reduce its dependence on individuals and government.
Hon. Oyebode gave the advice in Ado Ekiti while laying the foundation of an ultra-modern shopping complex owned by the Ekiti State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to him, the independence of the media as the fourth estate of the realm must be protected so that it can serve the people without bias.
Oyebode who expressed satisfaction that the State council of the Union was already thinking outside the box with the aim of protecting the image and integrity of the Union assured them of the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to providing support for the Union in order to meet its needs.
The Governor’s media aide who hailed the Kayode Babatuyi-led executive committee for demonstrating vision said the step taken by the Union showed readiness for visionary service that benefits the Union rather than the usual entitlement mentality which obtains in some quarters.
He said the Oyebanji-led administration has enjoyed objective reportage of the activities of the government since its inception in October 2022 hence the decision of the Governor to support the vision of the Union in building a befitting press centre.
“This administration in Ekiti NUJ has demonstrated creativity. When the Chairman informed me that his administration wanted to build a shopping complex as a means of generating income for the Union, I was not surprised but impressed because of the calibre of people making up the executive of the union. This project will surely reduce the reliance of the Union on individuals for funds and will ultimately help in building a more virile media in the State.”
“This is a highly commendable effort by the leadership of the Union in Ekiti State and they must ensure a project like this is being done every year so that whoever comes up here as chairman in the next three years will be faced with the need to buckle up and serve. Let me use this opportunity to assure that very soon Mr Governor will fulfil his promise of assisting with the construction of a befitting press centre for the Union. He is committed to this and will definitely fulfil it”, Oyebode assured.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi had described the project as one of the initiatives of his administration to curbing dependence on individuals in running the council at the expense of media impartiality and independence.
Babatuyi who assured that the project would be completed before the end of the year vowed that his administration would leave no stone unturned in building a virile and financially stable union.
The Ekiti NUJ Chairman who had earlier shown the building approval plan to the Special Adviser and other leaders of the Union, thanked members of the union in the State over their supports, explained that several achievements and developments witnessed on the council since je assumed office was made possible through their supports.
In his remarks, the President of the Union, Dr Chris Isiguzo who was represented by the Vice President Zone B, Comrade Ronke Samo commended the Ekiti council for the initiative; saying that this would protect the sanctity of the Union and give it more respect among the people.