The Executive Assistant to Governor of Oyo State on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe has stressed the need for Christian media professionals in the state to always demonstrate utmost objectivity in their reportage in view of the critical role they play in ensuring peace and stable polity.
The governor’s aide gave the admonition on Tuesday, during the courtesy call paid on him in his office by the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), Oyo State Chapter, led by its acting Chairman, Comrade ‘Lekan Sobowale.
According to him, the birth of the current political dispensation in the state was a positive development in the right direction, especially on the need to shun biased news reportage.
He noted that the role of media towards economic development and nation building could not be overemphasized, adding that: “It becomes necessary for you as Christian Journalists to calve a niche for yourselves by always adhering to the truth always in your report.”
While describing Governor ‘Seyi Makinde as a disciplined man who knows the significance of the media, Ogedengbe, however, reaffirmed that his administration will ensure that the media is given the appropriate regards and support needed in discharging their duties without any political interference.
His words: “I want you as Christian journalists to be fair, objective and do everything with morality and fear of God. You should not sell your souls to the devil for selfish and pecuniary gains.”
“Your news reporting must always be accurate and you should always try to stick to the truth no matter the challenges, oppression and or persecution you may face in the course of discharging your duties; be ready to pay the price of discipline at all times and believe that you shall get your reward at the end if you didn’t relent in standing for the truth.”
Reassuring the Christian journalists of his unwavering support towards a more deepened collaboration and relationship, Ogedengbe encouraged members of the association in the state to spread their tentacles by ensuring that more members are welcomed into the association, saying this would add to the body of Christ, while also providing a leverage for inclusiveness towards the nation building.
Earlier in his remarks, the acting Chairman of the association in the state, Comrade ‘Lekan Sobowale expressed gratitude to the state government through the office of the executive assistant to the governor on administration, while assuring that the association would adhere to his words of advice.
He noted that the association was not oblivious of its core and primary duties as a body representing the interest of Christian journalists, but added that coming together was a way of building more robust relationship and bond among journalists of Christian faith in areas particularly geared towards enhancing their professionalism, while supporting one another as members of the body of Christ.
