The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said, the aim of the party was to further strengthen and deepen the cordial relationship between the state legislature and the media correspondents.
Ogundoyin disclosed this during his address presented at the 2nd Media Parley of the Assembly held on 23 December, 2022 at Ibadan Business School, new bodija, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
According to him, “it gives me great joy this morning to welcome members of the fourth estate of the realm to the 2nd Oyo State House of Assembly Media Parley.
“The leadership of the 9th Assembly under my watch had from inception hinted and assured that things would be done differently and this we have adhered to.
“I therefore say unequivocally that media parley for Oyo State House of Assembly Correspondents is one of the new initiatives of the 9th Assembly as it is not on record anywhere in the house that past Assemblies held or organized media parleys
“We deemed it fit to organize a parley with our esteemed journalists because we realized their importance, worth and the pivotal roles you play as the watchdogs of the society.
“Suffice to say here that the aim of the parley is to further strengthen and deepen the cordial relationship existing between the State legislature and the media correspondents in the house. It will also provide avenue to receive feedback from you on our activities.
“This is the second edition and I want to heartily commend the diligence and professionalism you have continued to exhibit in reporting the activities of the House.
“When I say your role is crucial, I meant again that beyond giving publicity to our proceedings and activities, the fear of the pen of a journalist is the beginning of wisdom as you have constantly put us on our toes by keeping check on what we do as legislators.
“To show our readiness to build a robust partnership with the press, the 9th Assembly on resumption jacked up the monthly stipend giving to our correspondents from a ridiculous four thousand naira to eight thousand naira for some selected few. However, to ensure justice and fairness to all the correspondents, the amount was reviewed upward to ten thousand naira, an amount that is being paid to everybody irrespective of their media houses
“In addition, we have been consistent with welfare packages for you all and we hope to set more agendum for future Assemblies to follow in the State.
“Aside from all these, I made bold to say that there’s a personal cordial disposition between our correspondents and my colleagues which has equally gone beyond lawmaker, journalist relationship. This is commendable as the world has now become a small entity where everyone is expected to relate as one big family.
“Though, we have not been able to fix your office which was part of the promises made during the 1st Media Parley, I want to say that this was due to one delay or the other. But be rest assured that something will be done on the office soon. Necessary gadgets to work with will also be provided in the office.
“On a final note, the first session of this parley, a lecture on the topic “Navigating the murky waters of Political reportage and Election coverage” is our own way of reminding you of your professional duties as the nation prepares for the 2023 General Elections.
“Please, play your part by being objective, fair and balanced in your reportage. Do not throw professionalism and the ethics of the job to the wind because of some monetary gains. Use your pen to right the wrong of our society because the pen is mightier than the sword”, Ogundoyin ended.
