Oyo State Governor 'Seyi Makinde has emphasized the crucial role of media practitioners in ensuring transparency and accountability among public office holders. Addressing attendees at the opening ceremony of a three-day retreat for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Press Corps in Ibadan, the governor underscored the necessity for journalists to act as vigilant watchdogs for the public.
The retreat, themed “Role of the Media in Fostering Development in a Multi-party Democracy,” is taking place at the Eleventh House Hotel and Suites in Jericho, Ibadan. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde highlighted the media's vital role in promoting good governance and public interest.
“The media plays a critical role in development by holding those occupying public offices accountable,” he stated. “If you don’t hold people accountable, they may do whatever they like and may not pursue public interest. Public office holders are meant to work in the interest of the public, and a proactive media can significantly enhance this accountability.”
He urged journalists to ensure their work and platforms remain independent from political influence and misuse, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability as keys to societal development.
Governor Makinde also shared insights into his administration's commitment to enhancing transparency, noting the establishment of strong institutions and systems for public feedback to strengthen governance.
Dr. Olanrewaju elaborated on the positive outcomes of the governor’s leadership, citing an impressive drop in bank robberies in Oyo State in the past four years due to proactive security measures. He commented on the governor's approach to economic challenges, stressing that rather than providing temporary relief measures, the administration focuses on addressing root causes. He pointed to the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, which aimed at bolstering food production and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition to economic strategies, the administration has implemented Health Insurance plans for the elderly and provided subsidized transport for students, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth rather than superficial solutions.
During the retreat, PDP Press Corps Chairman Mr. Samuel Ogidan praised Governor Makinde as a visionary leader dedicated to transformational governance and media engagement. He encouraged participants to take advantage of the retreat to hone their skills in investigative journalism and uphold the values of integrity, accuracy, and objectivity.
Mr. Richard Ihediwa, Assistant Director of Publicity at the PDP Headquarters, also commended the governor for his support of the retreat, highlighting the importance of free and responsible journalism in fostering democracy and citizen empowerment.
