By Adeyinka Adeniran
Ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has charged the media practitioners to continue to play their noble, not as a tool for division but as a beacon of accountability and civic education.
This is as an Ibadan born business mogul, Adegboyega Adegoke said people who can turn around the fortunes of the country for better will continue to run away from politics due to corruption, bribery, mediocrity, weak institutions and lack of demand for accountability from people in positions of authorities.
The duo spoke in their separate remarks on Monday at the opening of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State council Press Week.
While Makinde who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi spoke in a remark, Adegoke made the remarks during a paper presentation entitled: “Democracy and search for quality leadership in Nigeria”.
Makinde who commended the media for their support, professionalism and public enlightenment as a trusted partner in his journey to build a greater Oyo state over the years said the theme for the Press Week could not have been more timely.
He said, “The media has remained a trusted partner in our journey to build a greater Oyo state, one founded on transparency, inclusion and people-centered governance. The years’ theme could not have been more timely. It speaks directly to the heart of our nation’s challenge, how to strengthen democratic values and ensure that leadership at all levels serves the people.
“As we approach another election cycle, it’s essential that the media continues to play its noble role. Not as a tool for division, but as a beacon of accountability and civic education. Helping citizens to make informed choices and holding leaders to the highest standard of integrity.”
The guest lecturer, Chief Adegoke while delivering the lecture explained the reasons why quality and effective leaders will continue to elude Nigeria.
Adegoke who doubles as Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, explained that for Nigeria to have quality leaders who will turn around the fortune of the country, there is a need for the people to participate in politics and encourage merit during electoral processes.
Charging the citizens to play active roles in the electoral processes, he noted that for the country to move forward, the current government must invest in quality education.
He concluded by saying that the search for quality leadership in Nigeria requires attitudinal change, collective and collaborative efforts of every Nigerian.
He then used the opportunity to appeal to the citizens to work together to build a Nigeria where leaders are chosen based on merit, not mediocrity.
Adegoke said “Citizens should demand accountability from their leaders by asking questions, seeking information, and holding them responsible for their actions. Citizens should support institutions that promote good governance, such as independent judiciary, free press, and anti-corruption agencies.
“Citizens should invest in education and critical thinking to be able to make informed decisions and participate effectively in the democratic process. Citizens should participate in the electoral process by voting, contesting for office, and engaging in civic activities.
“The search for quality leadership in Nigeria requires attitudinal change, collective and collaborative efforts of every Nigerian. We must work together to build a Nigeria where leaders are chosen based on merit, not mediocrity”.
In a remark, Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin appeals to the youths not to shun politics because majority of them have the capacity to lead the country.
He said, “A lot of youths have the capacity and what we need to do is to take ownership of our communities. We must not feel that we are inadequate or we are not up to the task.
“I beg them and appeal to the youths to have confidence in themselves and take up the mantle of leadership because they can’t give it to us unless we aspire”.
In their separate goodwill messages, Special Adviser on Media to governor Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju and his counterpart, Special Adviser on Labour, Comrade Bayo Titilola Sodo appreciated the leadership of the union and journalists in the state for the critical roles they have been playing in informing, educating and enlighten the people on the activities of the current government in the state.
Earlier in his opening address, Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola (Dembab) thanked the state government and his colleagues for their support in the last six year of his administration.
He used the opportunity of the event, being his last as the state Chairman to enumerate his achievements and efforts at transforming the union, charging the incoming executive members of the union to consolidate on his achievements.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of award the guest lecturer, Adegoke and the Speaker, Ogundoyin for their support to the Union over the years.
