Ogun Commissioner, Taiwo Oludotun Charges Media practitioners On Investigative Journalism

The Ogun State commissioner for Rural Development, Taiwo Oludotun has charged young media practitioners to engaged in reports that will impact and bring development to the country.

Oludotun further urged journalists to put politicians on their toes through constructive criticism. 

He gave this charge on Saturday when members of the Ogun State chapter of Young Media Practitioner of Nigeria, YOMPON paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Abeokuta. 

At the meeting, the Rural Development commissioner noted that journalists must use their reports to inspire people. 

He advised the young media practitioners to delve more into investigative journalism. 

Oludotun further advised them to create a niche for themselves so as to always stand tall among their contemporaries. 

He added, "as young journalists, create a niche, show class, you might not be rich now, but when you write, people respect you.

"I select my friends carefully, we need you (journalists) more than you need us.

"It's just unfortunate that people who are not trained have ventured into the profession. The social media has turned everybody into journalist. 

"There should be regulatory body for journalism. I want to implore you, irrespective of your interest, your integrity is paramount. 

"See yourself as an inspiration to do better. Let your write ups inspire people to do more. 

"Put the politicians on their toes, but if you want to criticize, be constructive and objectives. I don't believe in impossibility." 

Speaking on why he ventured into politics, Oludotun revealed that his passion in changing situation turned him into politician. 

He however said the Dapo Abiodun-led administration has been able to performed beyond expectation despite paucity of funds. 

He added, "this government despite paucity of fund, we have performed extraordinary especially in the rural and urban areas, Dapo Abiodun administration, we don't like to blow our trumpet. We don't like noise, but we allow our good work to speak for us."

Earlier, the National President of YOMPON, Micheal Ogunsiji said the courtesy visit is to form a synergy with the Ministry of Rural Development so as to project its activities to the public. 

According to Ogunsiji, the ministry of Rural Development of the state should be more closer to the people at the grassroots in order to get first hand information on development of the rural areas of the state.

He added, "as young media practitioners, we have observed the influx of untrained characters into the profession due to the advent of social media, but in our little way of sanitizing the profession, the few ones amongst us who are thoroughbred journalists have come together to organize training for ourselves and share ideas on current trends in journalism."

In his remarks, the state chairman of the association, Saheed Adeola said YOMPON's goals is to ensure the media industry is filled with young practitioners with the 21st century skills. 

In his words," we believe that as a Journalist we are determined and we want the media industry flooded with young practitioners, well trained, professional- not lacking anything.

"So our so aim is to familiarize ourselves to you and I am here with my members."

Also, the treasurer of YOMPON, Bukola Okuneye described Oludotun as a politician who has impacted in lives of many residents of the state.

Okuneye hinted that YOMPON is planning to honour the commissioner in order to acknowledge his impact and humanitarian service to the state. 


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