NUJ B Zone holds Public Lecture ,honours Gov Dapo Abiodun and others.
The Nigeria Union Journalists Zone B has organised her first annual public Lecture held at the press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan where dignitaries were honoured.
In her address of welcome ,the Vice President of the zone,Comrade Ronke Afebioye Samo appreciated all chairmen and secretaries in the zone for throwing weight behind her to organise the maiden public lecture.
The Keynote Speaker who is a former Chairman of Ekiti Council of NUJ Akogun Tai Oguntayo warned journalists to be careful and not to be too overzealous while reporting during the forth coming general election.
‘Dont say because you want to hit front page and you face bullets’
The chairman of the occasion and award recipient Dr Yinka Ayefele who appreciated the organiser also warned journalists to be wary of dangers in the profession .
‘You must not sacrifice your lives while doing your jobs because you want to capture the front page’ he added.
The Guest Lecturer, Professor Shola Omotola a Deputy Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti in his discourse on the topic :2023 General Elections and Electoral Issues in Nigeria:The Media Perspective urged media to always expose rots in the system and shun fake news.
According to him, there are bit of freedom in the operation but it is determined by application of ideogoes by employers.
He condemned attitude of political leaders for casting blame on colonial masters on the country’s shortcoming instead of finding lasting solutions to Nigeria problems after 62 years of independence.
On electoral violence, he admitted that it’s escalating but media must educate the politicians the need to be peaceful during elections.
The guest speaker opined that environment of operation of media officers is a key factor in determining how the media will perform.
He therefore submitted that media employers must advocate for government of inclusion and regulate social media to avert violence in the society especially 2023 elections.
The Executive Governor of Ogun State Dr Dapo who was represented by his Commissioner for Information and former president of the Union, Alh Waheed Odusile enumerated some of the achievements of his principal despite the meagre resources.
Other dignitaries who received award of excellence among others are :Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Adeleye Fayemi, first lady Ekiti State, the Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Governor,Alhaji Ismail *Omipidan, Popular Gospel* artiste, Dr Yinka Ayefele, His Royal Majesty,Oba Oladele Odugbemi,Olu of Lisa kingdom,Ogun State and
Ondo State amotekun Commander,Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.
