Journalism remains bedrock of accountability, transparency in governance - Ogun govt

 Journalism remains bedrock of accountability, transparency in governance - Ogun govt

The Ogun government has described journalism as the bedrock of accountability and transparency in governance across all spheres of the society.

Dr Toyin Taiwo, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Dapo Abiodun, stated this in Abeokuta on Thursday after receiving "Pillar of Good Governance" award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun Council.


Taiwo , represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Wasiu Isiaka noted that the role of the media  in informing the public, scrutinising leadership, and shaping national discourse remained invaluable.


The chief of staff said that it was through the courage and dedication of the media to truth that public trust was cultivated and sustained.


He stated that journalism served as the watchdog of democracy, holding power to account and illuminating hidden truths without fear or favour.


Taiwo added that the responsibility made it imperative that practitioners uphold the highest standards of objectivity, impartiality, and investigative integrity.


" Here in Ogun State, we take pride in our rich heritage of journalistic excellence. We are the birthplace of media legends like Chief Olusegun Osoba and late  Alhaji Lateef Jakande.


“A journalist must never compromise the truth; our loyalty must always lie with the people.



In an age of misinformation and political polarisation, the profession must divest itself of partisanship and recommit to the core values of ethical reporting," he said.



Taiwo assured that the state government would not relent in the pursuit of making Ogun a beacon of excellence in governance, development, and democratic leadership.


In his goodwill message, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, the State Head of Service,  re-emphasised that the role of the media in governance could not be stressed
enough.


Onasanya stressed that the media held the critical
responsibility of informing, educating and shaping public discourse.


Earlier, Mr Wale Olanrewaju, the NUJ Chairman, noted that it was important to celebrate the achievements of Dr Taiwo and the collective efforts of all those who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Ogun State.