Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has called on journalists to prioritise the national interest in their work, saying responsible reporting can help build a better society.
The governor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, gave the charge during the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week, 45th Anniversary, and Award of Excellence of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin.
“The power of the media to change situations for the better should never be underestimated,” he said, commending the chapel for professionalism in their role as the watchdog of society. He urged journalists to ensure their reports always serve the best interest of their host communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed optimism that the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, represented by the Director of Information Services, Alhaji Olayinka Salau, said the current administration inherited a government facing “teething problems” but has made progress through reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy was painful but is now yielding benefits. Floating the naira will reshape the economy, and reforms in the power sector will soon bring results people can feel,” she said, adding that leakages in government finances are being blocked, saving significant resources. She urged Nigerians to be patient while the reforms take root.
Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, praised the media for making governance more accessible through technology. Similarly, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Isa Aremu, represented by Mrs Damilola Omole, said journalists have “greatly shaped society” and urged them to use their expertise to promote national development.
Former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adedoyin, encouraged journalists to report development stories beyond the state capital and suggested regular media interactions with the governor.
In separate goodwill messages, lawmakers including Mallam Ahmed Saba, represented by Barrister Paul Ajiroba, and David Oguniyi of the Kwara State House of Assembly, hailed the press for its role as a platform for public enlightenment and a check on governance.
Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba, reflected on his six years in office, thanking members for their support and urging the government to organise media tours to rural areas to highlight developmental projects. Press Week Committee Chairman, Mr Demola Akinyemi, described organising the event as a privilege, while Mr Kolawole Fisayo, Registrar of Thomas Adewumi University, commended the chapel for promoting educational growth.
“The media’s contribution to education cannot be overemphasised,” Fisayo said, pledging the institution’s continued support for journalists.
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