Journalists from various chapels of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ondo State have paid courtesy visits to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, pledging their support and seeking greater collaboration in promoting government activities across the state.
The visits, held at the commissioner’s office in Akure, began with the Syndicated Chapel comprising television correspondents from national media houses, led by Mr. Ayo Moradeyo of TVC News. Speaking on behalf of the group, Moradeyo congratulated Hon. Ajanaku on his appointment and prayed for a successful tenure.
He emphasized the role of grassroots journalism in amplifying government efforts and called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and journalists, especially in the coverage of events across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. He also appealed for government intervention in addressing the challenges faced by reporters in the field.
In response, Commissioner Ajanaku appreciated the visit and assured the chapel that the current administration prioritizes journalists’ welfare and professional growth. “You will have it better now than ever before,” he said. “Your requests will be given urgent attention because we consider you essential partners in development communication.”
Similarly, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, led by their Chairman, Mr. Tosin Ajuwon, visited the Commissioner, describing their group as the “engine room” of NUJ in Ondo State, with over 28 national media organizations represented in the chapel, pledged their unwavering support for the Commissioner.
He said, Hon. Ajanaku’s deep-rooted experience in the print media will make their job easier than before in covering the entire state without hindrance.
He officially invited the Commissioner to feature on the chapel’s flagship programme, The Platform, to speak on the “OUR EASE” mantra of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration and other pertinent issues.
Commending their dedication and extensive coverage of state affairs, Hon. Ajanaku expressed gratitude for the media’s consistent prioritization of government activities. He pledged to operate an open-door policy, promising that ethical journalism would thrive under his watch. “Do your job without fear. Ask questions, criticize constructively, and report responsibly,” he urged.
The Ministry’s Administrative Secretary, Mr. Lanre Akarakiri, also thanked the correspondents for their continued support, assuring them of better working conditions and improved synergy with the ministry.
In a related visit, members of the Ministry’s Information Chapel led by Pastor Ayo Falana, welcomed the Commissioner and pledged their full cooperation as staff working directly under him in the Ministry. Falana highlighted the need to enhance sensitization programmes via electronic media, revive town hall meetings, and upgrade the Ministry’s newsroom and studio facilities to improve productivity.
Responding, Hon. Ajanaku said plans were already underway to address the issues raised. “With your cooperation, we will restore this Ministry to its pride of place,” he said. He also assured them of improved staff welfare, adding, “To whom much is given, much is expected. Let’s work together as true professionals.”
As part of the visit, the Information Chapel presented a gift to the Commissioner as a symbol of solidarity and goodwill. Hon. Ajanaku expressed heartfelt appreciation for the thoughtful gesture, describing it as a sign of renewed unity and commitment to progress within the Ministry.
