Adebayo Adenrele
…as SWEGOP celebrates 9th anniversary in grand style
The former Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande has identified maladministration, corruption and embezzlement as major factors responsible for bad governance in Nigeria.
Akande stated this on Wednesday while delivering a lecture on the topic: “Governance, Citizen Expectations and Breaking Barriers: Lessons for 2027 Elections”, at the 9th anniversary and award ceremony of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Professor Akande, represented by Dr. Idowu Johnson emphasised that security can not be improved in the country if the citizens don’t have access to basic necessities.
While blaming government on infrastructural decay, he said criminal activities would continue to thrive as long as insecurity persists in the land.
In his remark, the keynote speaker, Chairman. Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the occasion was an indication of how valuable the relationship between Dangote Group and the SWEGOP has been.
Dangote, represented by Francis Brown explained that the partnership and cooperation enjoyed from the Association have been able to keep the organisation growing.
While congratulating SWEGOP on the milestones achieved so far, he assured the Association that the relationship already established with Dangote Group would continue to wax stronger saying SWEGOP has come to stay.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a renowned journalist and innovative media administrator, who described online publishing as a substitute for mass media, urged members to use their various platforms to promote media literacy, saying he expects them to serve as watchdog for accountability by investigating bad practices.
Earlier, the Chairman, South West Guild of Online Publishers, Bisi Oladele in his address, remarked that the Association was established in Oyo State nine years ago, adding that it has spread to other states in the Southwest Nigeria.
“We have gathered to witness the beginning of the process of transformation of SWEGOP to a powerful Professional Association that would elevate digital journalism practice in South West, Nigeria”
Speaking on the mission of the Association which according to him, is to promote professionalism, peace, equity and egalitarian, he maintained that members of the Association are not bloggers or quack news publishers.
Oladele explained that the Association was formed to regulate online news publishing as professionals that have worked for years in the traditional media and decided to practice online news publishing.
“We are to defend press freedom, promote good governance by holding governments accountable and as well educating the citizens on their rights and obligations”, said the Chairman.
He appreciated the former Chairman of the Association, Yinka Agboola, the Publisher of Parrot Xtra Magazine and PM Parrot for giving it a solid footing having led the association for eight good years.
Highlight of the occasion which had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life, was presentation of award to three prominent individuals which include; Honourable Commisioner for Information, Oyo State, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, Mogaji Wole Arisekola and Babatunde Olumi.
