The immediate past Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy designate in Ogun State, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile has called on Nigerians and those in position of responsibilities not to hoard information from journalists as it may give room for rumours and insinuations.
From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
The immediate past Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy designate in Ogun State, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile has called on Nigerians and those in position of responsibilities not to hoard information from journalists as it may give room for rumours and insinuations.
Odusile who made this known in Abeokuta on Monday while fielding questions from the Honourable members of the Ogun State House of Assembly during his screening said, “if you hide information from journalists, he/she will believe there is skeleton in your cupboard and may decide to go to any length to bring out issues”.
Alhaji Odusile said, “don’t look down on any journalist or underrate any reporter. Give him the right information and he would do his job professionally”.
Speaking on his intended efforts to improve the fortunes of the State owned Radio and Television stations, the Commissioner designate assured that he would do all in his capacity to address the constraints and challenges facing the stations while affirming that the management and staffers of the stations are thorough bred professionals who must be hugely supported.
Describing news as a perishable good whose lifespan is just 24 hours, the Commissioner Nominee said, “we must dish out right information at the right time and get to the news room first to avoid rumours that would naturally fill the space”.
The Press Officer ,Office of the Commissioner of Information and Strategy ,Ogun State,Femi Osopitan,I a statement quoted the journalism guru as emphasizing the importance of feedback and constructive criticism in public interest.
“The information gamut of government would strengthen the existing system to ensure that facts and truths are always presented to the Governor”,added the Commissioner designate.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo who appreciated the Governor for putting round peg in the round hole thanked him for revealing the ministries of the nominees ahead for effective questioning and screening.
Oluomo who said, “you have proven that you are really on top of your game”, pleaded with him to justify and convince the people of the State for his appointment.
