By: Ade Adeleke
The Ondo State government has declared that the confusion that has been trailing the list of newly created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) is unnecessary, saying that the House of Assembly must be allowed to scrutinize the list and approve same before it can be officially made public.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yeye Oba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, stated this at the Press Centre in Akure during the first edition of “Ondo Media Agenda”, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State council on Monday.
Olateju noted that the LCDAs list had been approved by the State Executive Council and it must be ratified by the State House of Assembly before making it public, however, describing the list that is being circulated as inappropriate.
She added that the ministry of information and orientation is a service ministry meant to project the image of the state, pointing out that she had been reactivating the “Orientation Aspect” of the ministry’s assignment.
She stressed that the administration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had recorded a lot of achievements, part of which is the approval of the license to operate a deep sea port.
While applauding journalists in the state for their support to the state government, the Commissioner added that Governor Akeredolu is recovering well, appreciating the people of the state for their prayers.
Olateju also commended the appointment of Hon Bunni Tunji – Ojo as Minister from the state, adding that the state believes he will discharge his responsibilities well and would not disappoint.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Prince Leke Adegbite stated that “Ondo Media Agenda” was introduced as a result of the decision taken by the congress of NUJ in the state in line with the constitutional role to make those holding public offices accountable to the people.
“We feel that one of the best ways to do this is to bring all the people that are in government to come and tell us what that are doing for the people they are leading. It is also our responsibility to tell the public what the government is doing”.
“Once public holders know that journalists are looking at them and ask them questions on behalf of the people, they will put more effort in the services of the people,” Adegbite said.
