Adebayo Adenrele
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has said his administration will not intimidate journalists in the state.
Oyebanji gave the assurance on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, during the annual public lecture/award ceremony and launching of digital journalism tools organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti state council.
The Governor explained the role of the media to the development of the nation’s democracy, adding that members of the pen profession have been critical to his administration in the last twenty three months as the governor of the state.
Oyebanji, represented by the State commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, said that his administration since inception in 2022 has invested in key sectors of the economy including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture and industrialization.
He added that an enabling environment has been provided for private investors to operate and contribute to the development of the state, saying this necessitated the coming to the agriculture and hospital sectors by the Cavista Holdings.
His words, “We will continue to promote the principle of inclusiveness which has been the hallmark of our administration since 2022. We have been committed to our six-point agenda which has seen us meeting the needs and aspirations of the people.
“We are trying to make an Ekiti destination of investment and that is the reason we are calling on private individuals and organizations to partner with the state government towards achieving economic prosperity in the state.
“We will continue to encourage free speech in Ekiti and let me say that since the inception of this administration, we have not recorded any case of gagging or intimidation of the media, we believe in the role of the media in our society and the democracy.
“The Correspondent chapel has been supporting our administration and I can say this everywhere. We know the value they are adding to us and will continue to support the media to be able to discharge their duties in Ekiti.”
On his part, the Senate Leader who is also the chairman of the event, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele commended members of the media for their support, noting that he would continue to support the media in the interest of the society.
The senate leader, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Gbenga Banji, urged the people to keep faith with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts at actualizing his renewed hope agenda for the country.
Delivering his keynote speech, the CEO of Cavista Holdings limited, John Olajide said his organization has committed huge resources to the agriculture and hospitality sectors in order to achieve sustainable growth and development.
According to him, “At Cavista Holdings, we believe that our investments should have a positive impact on the communities where we operate. That’s why we have chosen Ekiti as a key location for our agribusiness and hospitality ventures. Our investments in Agbeyewa Farm and Glocient Hospitality, owners of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center, are designed to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the beauty and potential of Ekiti.
“We believe that by providing employment opportunities, we can empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive. Our investments are designed to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. At Agbeyewa Farm, we are revolutionizing agriculture in Ekiti by introducing modern farming techniques in the Cassava Revolution, improving its yields, and providing opportunities for local farmers through our ingrower and outgrower programs.”
The Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde commended the media in his responsibility of offering accurate and timely information to the public, while also urging them to remain resolute in the interest of the people.
The traditional ruler implored stakeholders to support the development of agriculture especially forestry development, adding that the sector must be given the necessary attention for the country to achieve food security.
Other high points of the event were presentation of awards to the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele ; the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde ; a former commissioner for works and former state secretary of PDP, Funmilayo Ogun; Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe; commissioner for youth development, Gold Adedayo; and the CEO of Cavista Holdings limited, John Olajide.