Ogun State deputy governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has charged journalists to ensure accurate and factual reportage of events at all times, to engender an informed and organised society.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele gave the charge during the 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, with the theme, “Islamic Response to Global Economic Crisis”, at the premises of the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, saying as the fourth estate of the realm, journalists should avoid spreading reports that could heat up the polity, especially at the present challenging period.
She tasked them to be objective and not inject personal opinions and sentiments in their reportage, noting “real Journalism should help calm the embers of a burning fire rather than fan it more.”
The deputy governor gave kudos to the executives of the chapel sustaining the programme, saying the theme was apt, advising participants to reflect on the teachings and lessons of Ramadan and strive to be good citizens.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, who expressed delight at the consistency of the chapel in organising Ramadan lectures, which met the high expectations of the Muslim community, both within the Ministry and beyond.
He noted that Ramadan period had always called for deep reflection and spiritual revival of the people, saying as the world is dealing with series of economic crises, as well as global socio-political war, hence there was need to be compassionate with one another.
Adesina commended the unwavering commitment of the union leadership in the past few years, pledging the ministry’s continued support to the present administration.
Delivering his lecture on the theme, “Islamic Response to Global Economic Crisis”, the guest lecturer and Chief Imam/Chief Missionary, Shams-ud-deen Al-Islamiy Association, Sheikh Alh. Abdulwaheed Badrudeen, said the hardship being faced by the country was a consequence of disobedience to God.
The Muslim cleric admonished those at the helms of affairs to govern with the fear of Allah and do more to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses in the face of economic hardship, calling on the people to constantly pray for the nation’s leadership, to guide and lead the nation to the right part.
On his part, chairman of the event, Alhaji Agboola Kadiri, represented by his wife, Alhaja Bolanle Kadiri, observed that despite the challenges bedevilling the country, Islam had given the leeway to overcoming the crisis, commending the chapel’s efforts in organising the annual lecture, to educate Muslim faithful during Ramadan.
Earlier, NUJ Information Chapel Chairman, Mr. Femi Osipitan, said the chapel was determined to improve the spiritual upliftment of its members, without limiting it to physical, financial and social welfare packages, imploring people to make good use of the lecture.
