Gov Aregbesola Tasks Journalists To Set Standard On  Good Governance

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has tasked journalists to set standard  on good governance for the society through their reportage , saying they are the watchdog for the society.

Aregbesola ,who was the special guest of honour at the 2017 Press Week, of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun Correspondents’ Chapel made the  remarks on Thursday in Osogbo.

The governor who was speaking on the theme of the media week  “Media Effectiveness a Panacea to Nation’s Democratic Challenges” said the role of the press has gone beyond being the watchdog of the society.

Aregbesola who said agenda setting is the major responsibility of press added that the press should be setting agenda, standard and development for both the citizenry and the government.

He said the crude oil, which is the main stay of the Nigerian economy would soon loose it’s value and it is the responsibility of the media to set agenda for the government and the people to start working towards finding alternative.

He said NIgeria must have a Zero deadline for Importation of food sating that the country can not continue to depend on other countries for food.

He said the media should always set agenda, by waking the consciousness of the people through their reportage.

Mr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, who was the guest lecturer at the programme enjoined journalists to be corrupt free as they discharge their responsibilities.

Obasa who was represented by the Chairman, Lagos House Committee on Information Strategy and Security, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said the media and politicians should work in synergy to better the lives of the people.

He said the press should not turn the masses against the political class, but should play the role of the watch dog, being the fourth estate of the realm, by keeping the ruling class in check by reporting their misconduct and corrupt practises.

He said the media should be seen as an arm of government, but advise that journalists should purge themselves of fake journalists who are tarnishing the image of the profession with cheap blackmails and fake news