Gov Oyebanji: Stagnant Media Will Stall Democracy

Gov Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, yesterday, declared that any nation that indulges in gagging the media would forever limp in the dark, saying such a tendency would stagnate democratic development.

Oyebanji said that his administration has cultivated a robust relationship with journalists serving in the state, adding the media is critical to democratic growth and advancement.

He explained that the media plays a significant role in a nation’s democracy, adding that members of the pen profession have been critical to his administration in the last 23 months in his shared prosperity agenda for the state.

The governor spoke at the annual public lecture/award ceremony and launch of digital journalism tools organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Ekiti State.

The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde; a former Commissioner for Works and former secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mrs Funmilayo Ogun; Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe;  Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adedayo; and the CEO of Cavista Holdings Limited, John Olajide were honoured.

Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, said: “We will continue to promote the principle of inclusiveness which has been the hallmark of our administration since 2022.

“We have been committed to our six-point agenda which has seen us meeting the needs and aspirations of the people.

“We are trying to make Ekiti State a destination of investment and that is why we are calling on private individuals and organizations to partner with the state government towards achieving economic prosperity in the state.

“We will continue to encourage free speech in Ekiti and let me say that since the inception of this administration, we have not recorded any case of gagging or intimidation of the media, we believe in the role of the media in our society and the democracy.

“The Correspondents’ Chapel has been supporting our administration and I can say this everywhere. We know the value they are adding to us and we will continue to support the media to discharge their duties in Ekiti.” On his part, the chairman of the event, Senator Bamidele, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Gbenga Banji commended members of the media for their support, noting that he would continue to support the press in the interest of the society.