Ogun Monarch Urges Journalistic Integrity, Road Reconstruction For Community Welfare

LISA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Olu of Lisa, Oba Nojeemdeen Oladele Odugbemi, has emphasized the importance of fairness, accuracy, and objectivity in the daily reporting activities of journalists, stressing their crucial role in serving the nation’s interests.

He made these remarks during a visit to his palace by the executive members of both the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Ogun state.

Oba Odugbemi highlighted the significant responsibility of media practitioners as the fourth estate of the realm, urging them to uphold truthfulness and impartiality in their coverage of events that could catalyze societal change.

Recognizing the media’s pivotal role, he urged caution against any negative exploitation of their constitutional duties, emphasizing the need for constructive reporting and adherence to journalistic principles for societal advancement.

As the Grand Patron of both Ogun NUJ and NUJ South West, the monarch encouraged journalists to embrace developmental journalism and adhere to professional ethics for the betterment of society.

Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, Chairman of Ogun NUJ, represented by Comrade Bunmi Adigun, the state secretary, assured the monarch of the media’s commitment to complementing government and stakeholders’ efforts in fostering economic development.

Oba Odugbemi also appealed to the Ogun state and federal governments to revisit the long-abandoned construction of the Ijoko-Lisa road, stalled for over 19 years since the Bellview crash in Lisa claimed 117 lives, including Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

He highlighted the dire state of the road, hindering both human and vehicular movement and severely impacting local business activities, particularly in agriculture.

The monarch urged the governments to prioritize the welfare of the residents, including families of the crash victims who struggle to access the area, by reconstructing the road.

He emphasized the potential for improved well-being and increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through such infrastructure development.