Abiodun also disclosed that he is proud of the pattern of news reporting of the Journalists in the State.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimat Salako-Oyedele made this commendation on Tuesday at the Groundbreaking of the Permanent Site of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State council along Abiola Way, Abeokuta, the state capital.
He noted that the Journalists in the state have proofed to the world that the state is the cradle of Journalism in Nigeria.
He expressed that, their constructive way of Operation has assisted the state government to concentrate on their laid down agendas, adding that the Gov. Abiodun led Administration takes the welfarism of the Journalists in the state as priority.
He commended the state chairman of the Union and members of the Executive on the project, praying that the project will be completed in few times, pledging that the state government is ready to support the Union in the completion of the project.
While praising the vision of the leadership of the Union, he said, the laying down of foundation on the site, is representing the solid beginning of the Journalism, giving it a new face and abode for the Journalists.
"I want to commend you all for keeping the pioneering flag of Journalism flying in Ogun State, because we all know that here is the birth of Journalism in Nigeria. His Excellency is very proud of Ogun State Journalists and we have said it several times. The pattern of reporting of Journalists in Ogun State has portrayed their patriotic professional for desirous of Nation building and egalitarian society.
"Your buyout for developmental journalism has helped us in most way to remain focus and committed on our ISEYA instead of unnecessary and destructive sensationalism which is the case in some other places.
"His Excellency's commitment to the welfare of Journalists is also well recorded. He has also made some other pledges for Journalists and their welfare which you can be our witnesses have been carried out.
"I therefore commend chairman of NUJ Comrade Wale Olanrewaju and his team for this foundation laying that we are doing today. As we heard earlier, this land has been allocated to the NUJ 36Years ago but as people of faith we know that the Lord makes everything beautiful in his time, and this is the time for this project and by God's grace we shall see the completion very soon.
"His Excellency is committed to support the Nigerian Union of Journalists and we will do our best to make sure that this project comes to the light of the day very quickly. This project is a project for our time. It will have Events centre, Recreational area and office space, so people will be able to work here and play here and it will be able to earn money for the Union, for its mentainance and its sustainance.
"I want to commend the vision of the leadership for making sure that this project will be a sustainable one. The foundation laying of this site is symbolic for the strong foundation that journalism has in Nigeria. And i hope it also marks the beginning of the new era when Journalists are respected for what they do and protected in their pursue of truth. This permanent site will not only produce space, but also serve as the symbol of unity and it will be a home for Journalist.
In his Goodwill message, the Senior Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade enjoined the members of the Union not to relent in their support to Wale Olanrewaju led Exco in other to have more achievement in his administration.
Also, the Chairman of OGTV Board of Directors and the Publicity Secretary of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye commended the leadership of Ogun NUJ and urged them not to relent in their efforts in making sure things are in order.
Meanwhile, in his welcome Address, the State chairman of NUJ, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju disclosed that the land was allocated to the Union in the past Thirty Six Years by the Military led Administration of Group Captain Muhammad Lawal.
He noted the impact of the members of his Executive and the state government in making the laying down of foundation of the permanent site of the Union come to reality.
He highlighted all the intended structures that the land will accommodate.
According to him "This groundbreaking - a much awaited event, would not have been possible without having a committed, resilient and ambitious team of Executive Council, who have continually spared no strength nor effort at ensuring we leave as legacy a conducive working environment as seen here today. No doubt, a complex project of our dream promises by His Excellency,Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State to compliment the Elders Relaxation Centre where are laying its foundation today, will no doubt take a multi-pronged approach that would make our dear union and her members take another giant step forward, not only in our profession but in our quest for more development.
"The land we are standing on here today is planned to accommodate the Union's 750-seater Modern Event Center, Modern office of Executive Council members, Elders Relaxation Centre, Library, Charlets with kitchennet and a entertainment center. But for the one we are laying its foundation today, we have collectively assembled a good team to achieve earlier completion of the edifice within maximum of seven months."
