Online Media Chapel Of NUJ Osun Pays Familiarity Visits To Culture, Tourism And Lands Ministries

The Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, has undertaken courtesy and familiarisation visits to two key ministries in the state, namely the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.

At the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner, Hon. Abiodun Bankole, received the delegation led by the Chairman of the Chapel, Isa Isawade, who congratulated him on his recent electoral victory in Osun State.

Isawade explained that the chapel came into existence as a response to the growing influx of unprofessional practitioners in the online media space, adding that the chapel is positioned to serve as a bridge connecting the public with authentic media practitioners.

He then introduced the members present and outlined the purpose of the visit, which he said was to extend support to the culture and tourism sector and to explore areas of partnership.

Responding, Commissioner Bankole, who noted that he needed to be in Ile-Ife within the hour for the Olojo Festival unveiling of sponsors, maintained that online media remains very important, especially as social media has degenerated into a menace.

He introduced the Administrative Officer of the Ministry and encouraged the practice of investigative journalism, recalling an instance when a one-sided report left him disappointed in the media.

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation and stressed that the responsibility of properly filtering information rests on the chapel, noting that whatever is sold to the public is what the public gets to know.

Drawing an analogy, he observed that the last election was not fought on promises but on verifiable proof of performance.

He stated that the previous administration, throughout its eight years, executed projects that could not be sustained, whereas the current administration has delivered projects that are people-oriented.

Bankole expressed gratitude to the people of Osun State, describing the victory as God-given, and extended deep appreciation to INEC.

He recounted how his fifteen-year-old son congratulated him shortly after the voting exercise, claiming that a seventy percent victory had been recorded, only for IREV to stop functioning shortly afterwards. He maintained that INEC had ample opportunity to manipulate the process but chose to be truthful and fair in its conduct.

He charged the chapel to remain diligent and dedicated, promised to work with it, and urged members not to hesitate to criticise his ministry. He wished the delegation the very best.

The Chairman thanked the Commissioner and assured him that the chapel would not let him down. The visiting members later took group photographs with the Commissioner.

At the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, the Chairman congratulated the Commissioner, George Ibitayo Alabi, and presented the purpose and goals of the chapel.

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation and stated that he had been observing the chapel and was impressed with its work so far.

He declared that his doors and those of the Ministry’s staff remain open to the chapel. He welcomed criticism and observations and promised to partner with the chapel.

Alabi noted that the present administration has raked in the highest Internally Generated Revenue in the history of Osun State, attributing the feat to the plugging of loopholes, curbing of unnecessary spending and the fight against corruption within the system.

He revealed the level of temptation he had personally encountered as Commissioner, with enticing offers meant to make him bend the rules or cut corners, and he gave thanks to God for keeping him steadfast. He identified his resolve to do what is right as the force driving his integrity.

He thanked the chapel and pledged his support, after which group photographs were taken with the Commissioner.