Ekiti State Government reaffirmed its commitment to media collaboration for sustainable development through inclusive governance strategies. Commissioner Taiwo Olatunbosun assured this during talks with RATTAWU executives, stressing media’s role in progress on Tuesday.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, Olatunbosun emphasized transparency, accountability, and good governance via accurate information dissemination. He highlighted policies ensuring equal access for marginalized groups while prioritizing societal welfare.
“Open communication builds trust and drives civic engagement,” Olatunbosun declared, condemning propaganda while advocating truthful public communication. He urged media practitioners to uphold ethics, professionalism, and accuracy in reporting.
Additionally, he called for stronger partnerships between government and media to advance Ekiti’s development agenda. “Collaboration, not confrontation, yields lasting progress,” he asserted, linking media freedom to social accountability.
In response, RATTAWU Chairman Omotola Falusi-Popoola pledged deeper synergy with the state government. She affirmed the union’s readiness to amplify good governance narratives and combat misinformation.
“We prioritize credible reporting to empower citizens and sustain democracy,” Falusi-Popoola stated. She proposed joint initiatives enhancing information management and public awareness across sectors.
Both parties acknowledged media’s pivotal role in fostering an informed, participatory society. Olatunbosun reiterated plans to upgrade media infrastructure, ensuring journalists operate efficiently amid evolving challenges.
Meanwhile, Falusi-Popoola requested training programs for media workers, emphasizing skills development in digital tools and ethical journalism. She also advocated better welfare packages to boost productivity.
The Commissioner welcomed these proposals, promising swift action to address operational gaps. “Investing in media strengthens democracy,” he noted, linking capacity-building to improved governance outcomes.
Discussions further explored leveraging arts and culture to promote Ekiti’s heritage globally. Olatunbosun urged RATTAWU to showcase local talent, fostering tourism and economic diversification through creative content.
Falusi-Popoola endorsed this vision, vowing to spotlight indigenous artists and traditions via radio, TV, and theater. “Culture unites people and drives development,” she remarked, outlining upcoming community-driven projects.
The meeting concluded with mutual pledges to formalize collaboration through memoranda and regular consultations. Both sides agreed to establish monitoring frameworks ensuring accountability in joint initiatives.
Citizen groups praised the dialogue and urged a sustained focus on grassroots engagement. “Media must amplify marginalized voices,” asserted a civil society leader, applauding the emphasis on inclusivity.
However, critics cautioned against politicizing partnerships, emphasizing the importance of maintaining editorial independence. Olatunbosun reassured stakeholders, affirming that they respect media freedom despite the heightened collaboration.
Moreover, Ekiti’s initiatives align closely with national efforts to strengthen media-government relations for development. Experts point to similar models in Lagos and Kaduna as benchmarks for increasing transparency and fostering innovation.
As implementation begins, observers are urging tangible outcomes such as reduced misinformation and enhanced civic trust. Furthermore, regular progress reviews will measure the initiative’s impact on public perception and service delivery.
Ultimately, the partnership aims to position Ekiti as a model for media-driven governance, blending accountability, creativity, and citizen participation. “Together, we’ll build a thriving society,” Olatunbosun vowed.