The Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has promised to organize a fund-raising programme towards putting up a modern and befitting press centre for Journalists in the state.
Fayemi made the promise during a dinner organized by Ekiti Catholic Diocese for Journalists held at the Pope John Paul 2 Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday evening.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ekiti State Council, Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela had earlier appealed to the Governor to assist the Union in building a befitting press centre to enhance activities of the Union in the State.
Responding, Governor Fayemi said though the State was currently confronted with paucity of fund but his goodwill would be utilized to achieve the objective.
The Governor said “You will get a press centre in no distance time, don’t worry about how it will be done, your own is just to get what you want”.
“I am sure that my goodwill can still mobilize something for you. I will organize a fund-raising programme and invite some of my friends and by God’s grace we will achieve what we want”, he declared.
The Governor also affirmed that the freedom of the press must not be retrained irrespective of any situation.
“You have the right to put our feet on fire, hold us accountable and it’s our duty to explain humbly to you whatever requires clarification.”
He said Journalists; especially those working in Ekiti State have contributed immensely to projecting the activities of his administration to the public, hence his decision to encourage them.
The Governor noted that the fourth estate of the realm should be given free hand to operate in view of their importance in societal growth.
Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye urged government to give room for Journalists to operate without interference, in order for them to present accurate news reportage.
Most Reverend Ajakaye commended Journalists in Ekiti State for not being carriers of fake news which he said was fast becoming a clog in the wheels of the profession.
The Bishop said the dinner was to appreciate the Journalists for their support for the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.
Present at the dinner for the Journalists were the Vice Chancellors of various Universities in Ekiti State, including Professors Edward Olanipekun of EKSU, Abayomi Fasina of FUOYE, Victor Adeoluwa of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education in Ikere-Ekiti and the representative of the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD among others.
Also present included the Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Professor Kayode Olabanji, that of the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti, Professor Kunle Ajayi, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Mobayo, Reverend Fathers and Sisters and others.
