Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the role of the media in good governance as very strategic, saying any democratic government which failed to recognise this, may be embarking on a journey to nowhere.
Sanwo-Olu made the remark when addressed State House journalists at Baguda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of his tour of some agencies of the government, on Tuesday.
Sanwo-Olu thus becomes the first sitting governor of Lagos State since 2003 to visit and address journalists at the press centre.
According to him, in view of the critical role of the media in reportage of government activities to the people, and the importance of communication – which is a two-way thing – in this day and age, the media and government must see their relationship as symbiotic.
“First and foremost, let me express my profound gratitude to you members of the fourth estate of the realm for your support to this government since its inception. Today makes it 61 days since this administration kicked off.
“So, it is only sensible for us to visit you on the first day of the commencement of our third month in office. On behalf of my brother, the deputy governor, with whom I started this journey together, we wish to say a big thank you to you all. Also, I believe I speak the mind of all of those in our government in showing our appreciation.
“Let me implore you to continue to work with us with the highest level of professionalism, joining hands with us to serve Lagosians better,” he said.
He added that communication was key as getting the right reports to the people was vital. “The entire purpose of all the good works we’re doing would be defeated if not properly reported. As I said earlier, any government that does not work closely with the media would have succeeded in embarking on a journey to nowhere.”
Sanwo-Olu promised to partner with the media in ensuring they give their best to the society, especially in areas of possible training for better professionalism.
He said that being in government was a privilege and that his cabinet would utmost best to deliver the dividends of democracy to Lagosians.
He added that government was about the people and their welfare. As such, he said, the governed remained top priority for him.
JOSHUA BASSEY
