Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on media practitioners to maintain transparency in their work as society’s watchdog, emphasizing the importance of holding political office holders accountable. He delivered this message at the opening of a 3-day retreat for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Press Corps, held at Eleventh House Hotel and Suites, Jericho, Ibadan, with the theme: ‘Role of the Media in Fostering Development in a Multi-party Democracy.’
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde highlighted the media’s central role in society, describing it as the foundation and guardian of societal values. He stated, “The media is supposed to hold those in government accountable.”
Media’s Role in Development
The governor noted that transparency and accountability from public officeholders are essential for societal development, which aligns with the media’s goal and society’s expectations. He stressed that pursuing the public interest is key to fostering development, and the media must remain independent, ensuring that its platforms are not influenced by those in power or misused by its practitioners.
Makinde said: “The media plays a critical role in development by holding those occupying public offices accountable, serving as the watchdog for society. If you don’t hold people accountable, they may do whatever they like and may not pursue the public interest. And public office holders, appointed or elected, are meant to work in the interest of the public.
“So, when the media does its job and holds those in political offices accountable, the likelihood of them working in the interest of the public is high.
“On the other hand, the media too must hold its members accountable, because the space the media is holding is the public space, and the media is holding it in trust for the people. So, there won’t be development if the media fails to work in the interest of the public.”
PDP Press Corps Chairman’s Remarks
In his welcome address, Mr. Samuel Ogidan, Chairman of the PDP Press Corps, explained that the retreat aimed to engage participants in conversations and training to prepare them for the evolving demands and complexities of political reporting, particularly in the era of digital disruption.
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