The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has donated an 18-seater bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council.
Aiyedatiwa announced the donation on Saturday night during a media stakeholders’ dinner held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure.
The donation followed an appeal by the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon, who drew the governor’s attention to the transportation challenges confronting correspondents covering government activities in the state.
Ajuwon explained that members of the chapel, who represent national newspapers often travel long distances to cover official assignments, sometimes under difficult conditions.
“Your Excellency, the Correspondents’ Chapel plays a critical role in projecting Ondo State to the nation.
“However, mobility has remained a major challenge for our members. An official bus will greatly enhance our efficiency, safety and prompt reportage,” he pleaded.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa described the media as a strategic partner in governance, noting that responsible journalism is indispensable to democracy, transparency and public accountability.
The governor said the media remains the bridge between government and the people.
He noted that without the media, government policies, programmes and achievements would not get to the grassroots.
He immediately directed that an 18-seater bus be provided for the Correspondents’ Chapel to ease the movement members and enhance effective coverage of government activities.
“I have listened to your request, we have three of the buses, two have been given out, the remaining one, you have my approval for it.
“This is our own way of supporting the media to do their job better,” Aiyedatiwa announced.
The governor further assured media professionals of his administration’s commitment to press freedom, openness and regular engagement, stressing that constructive criticism from the media helps government to serve the people better.
He urged journalists in the state to continue to uphold the ethics of the profession by being fair, accurate and balanced in their reportage.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Ondo State NUJ Council, Leke Adegbite, praised the governor for his media-friendly disposition.
