Gov AbdulRazaq Tasks Journalists on National Interest, Responsible Reporting
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has called on media professionals to always prioritise national interest in their reportage to help build a better society.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week and 45th Anniversary of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, the governor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, urged journalists to maintain responsible and developmental journalism.
“The power of the media to change situations for the better should never be underestimated,” AbdulRazaq said. “Reports should reflect the best interests of the host community and promote societal progress.”
He commended the Correspondents Chapel for its professionalism and reaffirmed hope that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Kwara State Commissioner for Communication, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, represented by the Director of Information Services, Alhaji Olayinka Salau, noted that while the present administration inherited a troubled economy, its policies are beginning to yield results.
“Though the removal of petroleum subsidy was painful, it is already bearing fruit. The floating of the naira will help reshape our economy, and blocking leakages across sectors has saved significant funds,” she said, urging Nigerians to be patient as reforms in the power sector and other areas unfold.
Director of Corporate Affairs at the University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, lauded the media for making governance more transparent through technology-driven coverage, while the Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Isa Aremu, represented by Mrs Damilola Omole, praised the media for shaping public discourse in support of improved welfare for Nigerians.
Former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adedoyin, encouraged journalists to report development stories beyond the state capital, while Member representing Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency, Mallam Ahmed Saba, represented by Barrister Paul Ajiroba, described the media as “a reawakening platform for both leaders and the led.”
Similarly, David Oguniyi, representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency in the State House of Assembly, stressed that “without a free press, there can be no real development,” noting that the media serves as a check on governance.
Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba, reflecting on his six years in office, thanked members for their support and urged the government to organise media tours to rural communities to promote grassroots development stories.
The Press Week Committee Chairman, Mr Demola Akinyemi, described organising the event as a rare privilege, while Registrar of Thomas Adewumi University, Mr Kolawole Fisayo, who was honoured with an award, commended the media’s role in promoting educational development and pledged continued partnership.
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