From Taiye Joseph Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, has called on media professionals to put national interest at the forefront of their reportage, stressing that responsible journalism can greatly influence positive change in society.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, at the grand finale of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 2025 Press Week and 45th anniversary, and Award of Excellence in Ilorin, the governor commended the chapel for upholding professionalism.
“The power of the media to change situations for the better should never be underestimated. Your reports should always reflect the best interest of your host communities,” AbdulRazaq said, expressing hope that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will “make life better for the common man.”
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Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, represented by the Director of Information Services, Alhaji Olayinka Salau, said the federal government’s reforms, though tough at the start, are already yielding results.
She noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira are reshaping the economy, while blocking leakages has saved the country significant resources.
“We understand the pain that came with these reforms, but Nigerians should be patient. The transformation in the power sector, among others, will soon bring benefits to the people,” she assured.
Other speakers highlighted the media’s role in governance, public enlightenment, and national development.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, observed that technology has made government activities more accessible to the public, while the Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Isa Aremu, represented by Mrs Damilola Omole, praised journalists for “shaping society and promoting improved welfare for Nigerians.”
Former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adedoyin, urged journalists to report development projects beyond the state capital and called for direct media engagements with the governor.
Similarly, Member representing Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency, Mallam Ahmed Saba, through Barrister Paul Ajiroba, described the media as “a reawakening platform for both leaders and the led,” while State Assembly member David Oguniyi emphasised that “without a free press, there can be no real development.”
Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba, reflecting on his six-year leadership, thanked members for their support and urged the government to organise media tours of rural areas.
“We will continue to do our best to showcase societal activities and developments,” he assured.
The 2025 Press Week Committee Chairman, Mr Demola Akinyemi, described organising the programme as a privilege, while Mr Kolawole Fisayo, Registrar of Thomas Adewumi University, who received an award at the event, commended the chapel’s contribution to educational development, pledging continued support for their work.
