A prominent traditional title holder in Abeokuta, Egbaland, has advised the President Buhari led administration to implement the 2014 Confab report in order to address the increasing agitation for restructuring of the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria
The Oluwo of Oke-Ona and Egba High Chief, Dr. Abayomi Jiboku gave this advice on Monday 3rd July, 2017 in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
He explained that the government, for the best interest of all must implement the 2014 report, saying it would also douse the tension of groups who are agitating for the division of the country.
Jiboku who spoke at the 2017 Press Week of the Federated Chapel of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists held at the NUJ Secretariat, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta insisted that Nigeria remained an indivisible entity.
It would be recalled that some Northern youths had asked the Igbos in their States to return to their own states in the wake of the call by IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu for a Biafra nation.
Jiboku who frowned at the quit notice given by some Northern youths to the Igbo’s said it is better Nigeria remains an indivisible entity.
While speaking on the theme: “Ogun Democracy, An Appraisal of Governance Since 1999, Journalism Perspective,” the Egba High Chief appealed to the community newspaper journalists to use their pen professionally to uphold the unity of the country.
He however urged them to perform their professional duties by reaching out to the grassroots and not only using sensational news that will sell their newspaper. He therefore admonished the journalists to remain federated and use their profession to ensure Nigeria returns to her old structure where each States were able to manage their resources.
“They should reach out to the government and pressurize them to ensure Nigeria returns to its old structure, Nigeria must continue to exist as a nation,” he said.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa further urged journalists to be more committed to development of the country by complementing government efforts through their reportage. Adeoluwa who was represented by Mr. Bunmi Osifeso said attaining economic and social equality, mobilising the people for economic, social and political development and improvements in living standard should be part of the role of the journalists.
“As collaborators, you should see yourselves as partners in the development project. I urge you to brace up to the challenges of the times coming especially from the social media sector and ensure that this profession is not rendered irrelevant. Keep the vision alive,” he urged.
– Wale Adewunmi, Ogun State Correspondent