Osun Finance Commissioner, Oyebamiji Inducted Into NUJ Hall Of Fame

–Charges Journalists To See Themselves As Tools For Lasting Democracy –

Journalists in the country have been told to see themselves as useful tools to help engender and solidify a lasting democracy for Nigerians to enjoy by constantly reminding the people of the need to vote credible people into power.

Osun Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji stated this on Thursday while speaking with newsmen shortly after being inducted into the Hall Of Fame of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Osun Council.

Oyebamiji who expressed delight for his induction into the NUJ hall of Fame tasked journalists to see themselves as one of the critical stakeholders who can help correct the ills of the society because they are the ones the masses constantly look up to for direction.

The Commissioner who was represented at the occasion by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Finance, Dr Wale Tijani explained that members of the fourth estate of the realm must henceforth be ready to use the media space as a tool to galvanize development in their environment.

He said media practitioners are in the best position to help the people choose rightly by adequately profiling candidates who contest for elective positions, stressing that by doing this, the electorates will be adequately informed and educated about the people they are voting for.

The Commissioner condemned a situation whereby journalists because of money begin to hype and praise sing candidates they are not supposed to hype thereby misleading the electorates during elections.

He said, “I believe journalists can make our society better than the way it is today, media practitioners can help the country have a lasting democracy through their reporting. They can help the people make informed decisions concerning their choice of candidates before voting.

“The media just have to be objective and avoid sentimental reporting because of money. Journalists should help our people to vote for the right candidates, through this, our people will enjoy democracy and we will have a lasting democracy devoid of corruption and crisis”.