Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has enjoined journalists to prioritise national interest in their reportage to help build a better society.
AbdulRazaq made the appeal at the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week of Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, the state capital.
Represented by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor commended journalists for their watchdog role.
“The media has the power to shape society for the better. Responsible journalism should always be in the best interest of the people and the communities you serve,” he said.
He restated that the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bola Olukoju, represented by the director of Information Services, Alh Jimoh Salau, noted that the present administration inherited a government with serious challenges but has introduced reforms to stabilise the economy.
“The removal of petroleum subsidy, though painful, is beginning to yield results. Floating the naira and blocking leakages have saved funds for critical development. Nigerians need to be patient as the transformation in sectors like power will soon be felt,” she stated.
A veteran journalist and former commissioner for Information in the state, Alh Raheem Adedoyin, encouraged the media to extend coverage beyond the state capital, while House of Representatives member, Hon. Ahmed Saba, represented by Barrister Paul Ajiroba, described the media as a “reawakening platform” for leaders and the public.
The chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, AbdulHakeem Garba, thanked members for their support and urged the government to organise media tours to rural areas for balanced reporting.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the chairman of Gbenga Hashim Foundation, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, and the founder of Thomas Adewumi University Oko—Irese, Kwara State, Engr Johnson Adewumi.
