In fulfillment of his promise to media practitioners in Kwara State on assumption of office in 2011, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed recently completed and the commissioned the ultra-modern Press Centre of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin.

The former Press Centre adjoining the Government House was acquired by the government of Bukola Saraki for “overriding public interest” in accordance with the Land Use Decree and converted into a car park of the banquet hall.

An alternative accommodation was paid for by the government along Ilorin-Jebba Road, with a promise by Ahmed to lay the foundation of the new centre within the first 100 days in office.

Expectedly, the development generated sharp criticisms from some NUJ members at the time, but the government intensified its efforts at building a modern centre and chalet, valued at over N30 million, as a replacement for the acquired one.

Ahmed, while commissioning the project, said a virile press remained a potent catalyst for democratic growth anywhere in the world.

He stated: “It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you to the official commissioning of the secretariat of Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ).

“As you will recall, I laid the foundation for this building on September 6, 2011 within my first 100 days in office, with a pledge to ensure completion within the shortest possible time. We are gathered here today in fulfillment of the pledge.

“It is widely acknowledged that a free and unfettered press is an indispensable component of any democratic dispensation. Our 14 years of democratic experience have firmly illustrated that a free press is a complement, rather than a hindrance to representative democracy.”

The governor added: “Responsible journalism sustains the people’s faith in democracy by disseminating accurate information about what governments at all levels are doing and capable of doing to better the lives of the people.

“The truth is that many laudable government initiatives will fail without appropriate advocacy through the media.

“The media also has the capacity to promote transparency through its surveillance function, while also setting an agenda for good governance.

“This administration, therefore, recognises the invaluable role of journalists and their partnership with the government in areas of enlightenment, propagation of government policies and for their valuable feedback in the form of constructive criticism.”

Ahmed emphasised that as a responsive administrator, he was very conscious of his obligation to the people, workers and trade unions.

“The government is, therefore, determined to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach the entire citizenry in a timely fashion.

“This is the notion behind Shared Prosperity, which seeks to positively enhance the lives of the people through job provision, adequate potable water, good roads, qualitative health services, quality education, employee welfare, peaceful environment and the overall economic empowerment of the people.

“Let me implore the NUJ leadership to ensure judicious use of this complex to better their performance and service delivery to the people of Kwara and equally uphold good work ethics.

“As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, you must also uphold your social responsibility by distancing yourselves from purveying information capable of disrupting public order and peace, especially at this critical time in our national history.

“Furthermore, I urge you to continue to set the agenda for good governance by holding a mirror to society and reflecting the needs of the people, while willingly acknowledging good performance at all levels of governance.

“In this era of enhanced politicking, I urge you to remain apolitical and resist the temptation to descend into the arena by remaining balanced, objective and fair in your reportage,” he added.