Governor Dapo Abiodun has unveiled the plan of Ogun State Government to construct new Journalists Estate to compliment the existing one at Arepo area, as part of moves to meet the housing needs of media practitioners in the state
Abiodun who made this known during interactive session with Journalists in the State at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, also says his administration's investment on construction of roads network across the state is to attract Investors to drive the economy of the State
The governor who called for a synergy between the media and the government for it to deliver more dividends of democracy and good governance to the people, said his foray into politics was to better the lot of the people through well-planned and articulated policies and programmes that would open the State up through Public Private Partnership.
"When we came on board, we set our vision around our comparative advantage of being close to Lagos, which is the commercial centre of our country. We began to construct and reconstruct roads, even those that do not belong to us. We need this so that investors can find us attractive and come and invest in our State because we know that no investor will go to a place where there are no access roads”, he stated
The governor, who recalled the difficulty he went through on his journey to the government house, said the experience made him vow to be just, fair, responsive and equitable to all, irrespective of their political affiliations and where they come from.
Governor Abiodun emphasised that he has always had respect for the members of the pen profession as he sees them as partners in taking the State to greater heights as encapsulated in his administration's ISEYA agenda
He says as the fourth estate of the realm, their cooperation and partnership with the government should be guaranteed, as they feel the pulse of the people as mirrors of the society.
The governor said though the exigencies of his office do not provide him with the opportunity to interact with the media as often as possible, the building of a befitting Press Centre at the governor's office, was to provide the newsmen with a conducive environment to gather and disseminate news with ease.
Abiodun who assured journalists of looking into issues affecting their welfare, pledged to address the disconnect between the government and the media in his second term in office
The governor called on them to be a bridge between the government and the people by adequately reporting its policies and programmes and achievements.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile explained that the session was to provide the Governor with an opportunity to interact with the newsmen in a friendly atmosphere, as well as intimate them of his administration’s achievements in the last three years and ten months.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Counçil of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, commended the government for spreading developmental projects to all parts of the State, saying the stride had positively impacted the lives of the people.
Olarenwaju while tabling issues that affect media men in the State, thanked the Governor for having the welfare of the media practitioners at heart, adding that there was a need for a regular interface between the media and government for a more cordial relationship.
The Governor later presented a 14-seater bus to the Union
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