Continue to defend masses, Oyo deputy gov charges journalists

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, has charged journalists to continue to defend the masses.

He said this during the New Year party/inauguration of the newly-elected executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council held on Sunday at Jogor Center Ibadan.

Engineer Olaniyan urged the journalists to continue being the defender of the masses and a promoter of democracy.

He also urged the journalists to continue to uphold the ethics and tenets of the profession.

Olaniyan also reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde government’s resolve to ensure a friendly relationship with the press.

He also declared the support of the government to journalists in the state.

“We are press-friendly, we believe in democracy. We believe in friendship and intimacy with the press and we are ready to support the press,” he said.

ALSO READ: FG requests Stay of Execution order over CERPAC fees

The chairman of the council, Mr Ademola Babalola, in his remarks explained that the democratic process of the union enables the leaders of the union to identify tasks and challenges ahead of them.

“The democratic process of our union is something that is very important to me. It is what makes us close to our members, it is what keeps us relevant to the concerns of working people. It is what enables the leadership to identify task and challenges, it is the reason I am standing before you today as your elected chairman.”

He added that he will always back the members of the union in their struggle to get improved treatment.

“It is my conviction that advocacy and consistent consultation is the best way to get dignity and respect for our members. I will always back our members in their struggle to get enhanced treatment,” he said.

He further stated that his administration is determined to build a union that has resources to invest in supporting members.

The chairman planning committee of the event, Mr Dare Adekanmbi, explained that the event is meant to dialogue on the progress of the union.

He added that it is also organised to encourage the newly-elected members of the union.