Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has performed the turning of sod for the construction of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ultra-Modern Mall.
The ceremony, held in Iyaganku, Ibadan, was attended by the governor's deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, who represented Makinde.
Lawal commended the NUJ Chairman of Oyo state chapter, Chief Ademola Babalola, for his laudable initiative and described the project as something that should have happened long ago.
He praised Babalola for his progress and determination and stated that NUJ is lucky to have him.
Lawal thanked the NUJ executives for retaining the land at the Iyaganku axis and commended them for their decision to construct a legacy project on the site at this specific time in the union's history. He affirmed that journalism is a good profession and disclosed his own admiration for journalists, stating that if he had not become a lawyer, he would have loved to be a journalist.
Lawal acknowledged the journalists' contribution to development and enrichment of culture and tradition, and expressed the government's pride in the project. He assured them that the government of Oyo state would provide the necessary support for the construction of the ultra-modern mall.
NUJ Chairman Ademola Babalola commended Governor Makinde for his outstanding support for the NUJ and the journalism profession. He expressed his gratitude to Makinde and referred to him as a beacon of hope and a steadfast pillar of support.
The project director, Architect Ayo Ogunlade, praised Governor Makinde as a digital governor working ahead of the 21st century. He expressed his determination to contribute to the development of Oyo state through the project, which is estimated to cost about N3bn. Ogunlade emphasized that the project would serve the people, generate revenue for the state, and enhance the area's landscape.
Representative of the NUJ president and former NUJ secretary, Bolaji Kareem, commended Governor Makinde for his developmental projects in the state and his support for the NUJ. He expressed journalists' happiness with the project and emphasized the need for more work to be done for the NUJ.
Mogaji Alhaji Solagbade Adewole appealed to the Oyo state government to take care of correspondents in the governor's office and advocated for an insurance cover for them.
The event was attended by government officials, including Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Youths and Sport Wasilat Adegoke, BCOS Chairman Chief Olaitan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde Pastor Sulaiman Olanrewaju, and Comrade Ogundele.