Press Week: Ooni hosts Osun journalists, harps on objective, fair reportage

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Saturday night played host to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, for a dinner meeting as part of activities commemorating the ongoing Press Week.

At the event coordinated by the palace’s Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni Ogunwusi described journalism as a noble profession that has helped structure the country positively.

“Pen they say is mightier than the sword, it is a strong weapon you are holding in your hands and I wish to urge you to be cautious about how you use it. Don’t kill with it, use it for the growth of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Journalism produced the first set of leadership for Nigeria, people like our own late political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was invited into polifics from journalism. The Ooni, Alake, Alaafin and other Yoruba leaders invited him into politics and I am happy that he (Awolowo), left a great legacy.

“I wish to thank you for your support since I became the Ooni five years ago, you have provided me with platforms to reach the world with great messages from this palace. I am so grateful to you all and I wish to ask that we continue that way.” The Ooni stated.

Ooni Ogunwusi however expressed his readiness to support the union as requested by the Chairman, asking members present to consider their requests done.

In his welcome address, the Director of Media and Public Affairs to the Ooni, Comrade Moses Olafare, who is also a journalist, described the dinner as an earlier idea of the Ooni in his interest, love and respect for journalists before it was actualized through the NUJ Week.

“When I look back, I am impressed about how wonderful you all have been discharging you duties. You have never ignored calls from the palace no matter how tight your schedule is and none of you has never been a purveyor of fake news against the House of Oduduwa which is our collective patrimony that must be collectively protected. I wish to thank you immensely.” Comrade Olafare said.

In a remark, Chairman of the Osun NUJ, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, described the Ooni as a great newsmaker, noting that the world is always interested to here about him and the palace because a bad news content has never emanated from the Palace.

“Kabiyesi, I wish to state with equivocation that you are the most reported traditional ruler in Nigeria. You create contents that thrills the world in the areas of culture, tourism, empowerment, education, agriculture and many others. So we can’t but continue to be proud to report the productive stories about you sir.

“I wish to on behalf of all members of the union make a request from your Majesty as we strive to renovate the NUJ Press centre which was built about 30 years ago. The structures in there are not befitting anymore and we seek your great assistance.

“Baba, we intend to name one of the structures after you when renovated in order to identify with your excellence and greatness sir.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Chairman of the committee in charge of the dinner, Abass Okandeji, thanked the Ooni for his time and his words of assurance, noting that the union will continue to support him and his lofty programmes.