Hon Segun Dokun Odebunmi, Chairman House of Reps Committee on Information, National Orientation Ethics and Values has called on Journalists not to relent in their efforts to ensure the advancement of democratic government and good government in Nigeria.
The Federal lawmaker who was a guest at 2022 World Press Freedom Day, which is being marked annually across the globe e every May 3 said said the journalists play a crucial role in the entrenchment of democracy in the country.
Odebunmi, who is a ranking member of the House of Representatives, said: “If the press is crippled, the nation is doomed,” saying the media should not hesitate to embark on sound and constructive analyses for the consideration of those at the helms of affairs.
He added that, “It is not time to fold your arm and leave politicians to the affairs of the Nation, please engage us, ask us questions , be the voice of the electorate and entire Nigerians , let us know other areas where we need to adjust and improve especially the existing laws that needed to be ammended.
On FoI Bill, Odebunmi said the media practitioners and members of the public have the right to challenge any individual or organization that deny them access to information at the court of law.
While tasking the media practitioners on professionalism, the lawmaker representing Ogo Oluwa- Surulere Federal Constituency said they should not not tolerate quackery .
Other speakers at the event include
Professor of Communication and Media Studies/Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Muyiwa Popoola, the guest lecturer; Dean, Faculty of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof Lambert Ihebuzor; Dr Bisi Olawuyi of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan;
Professor Popoola in his paper said said “A viable media builds trust and patriotic consciousness among the citizens. Where the media is reliable and not manipulated by individuals and the government, the masses will freely and genuinely express their opinions on the steps to be taken for the advancement of society without fear of being misquoted. Today, some Nigerians have decided not to express their views about Nigeria’s current predicaments because of the horror of political intimidation and fear of being misquoted.”
The occasion witnessed presentation of awards in different categories to Bovas and Company Limited – Corporate Symbol of Dignity; Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Lead City University, Ibadan – Distinguished Institutional Friends of the Media; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts, Ibadan, Dotun Sanusi, and a federal lawmaker, Olusegun Odebunmi – Distinguished Friend of the Media; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State, Adaralewa Akintayo – Public Administrator Par Excellence; Zonal Director, Ibadan National Station, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mrs Bolatito Joseph, as well as the Publisher, Parrot Xtra Magazine, Olayinka Agboola – The Pride of Journalism
