The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde were among the dignitaries that received awards, during the annual lecture and award ceremony, organised by the Ekiti State Correspondents’ chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).
Others who was also honoured at the ocassion were a former Commissioner for Works and former State Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mrs Funmilayo Ogun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, Commissioner for Youths Development in Ekiti State, Mr Adesola Gold-Adedayo and the Chief Executive Officer CEO of Cavista Holdings Limited, Mr John Olajide among others.
Speaking at the ocassion, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, said his administration would not gag or intimidate media practitioners and Journalists operating in the State.
Oyebanji who emphasized the role of the media practitioner in development of a state can never be over emphasized, adding that members of the pen profession have been critical to his administration in the last twenty three months in his shared prosperity agenda for the state.
Oyebanji represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, explained that his administration since inception in 2022 has invested in key sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture and industrialization.
The Governor added that an enabling environment has been provided for private investors to operate and contribute to the development of the state, saying this necessitated the coming to the agriculture and hospital sectors by the Cavista Holdings.
He said, ” We will continue to promote the principle of inclusiveness which has been the hallmark of our administration since 2022. We have been committed to our six-point agenda which has seen us meeting the needs and aspirations of the people.
” We are trying to make an Ekiti destination of investment and that is the reason we are calling on private individuals and organizations to partner with the state government towards achieving economic prosperity in the state.
” We will continue to encourage free speech in Ekiti and let me say that since the inception of this administration, we have not recorded any case of gagging or intimidation of the media, we believe in the role of the media in our society and the democracy.
” The Correspondent chapel has been supporting our administration and I can say this everywhere. We know the value they are adding to us and will continue to support the media to be able to discharge their duties in Ekiti.”
On his part, the Chairman of the event, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Gbenga Banji commended members of the media for their support, noting that he would continue to support the media in the interest of the society.
The Senate leader urged the people to keep faith with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts at actualizing his renewed hope agenda for the country.
Delivering his keynote speech, entitled: “Creating Value, Transforming Lives; Cavista’s Commitment to the Future of Ekiti State” the CEO of Cavista Holdings limited, John Olajide, represented by Alhaji Dauda Lawal, said his organization has committed huge resources to the agriculture and hospitality sectors in the State, apparently to achieve sustainable growth and development.
According to him, ” At Cavista Holdings, we believe that our investments should have a positive impact on the communities where we operate. That’s why we have chosen Ekiti as a key location for our agribusiness and hospitality ventures.
” Our investments in Agbeyewa Farm and Glocient Hospitality, owners of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center, are designed to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the beauty and potential of Ekiti.
” We believe that by providing employment opportunities, we can empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive. Our investments are designed to be sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible. At Agbeyewa Farm, we are revolutionizing agriculture in Ekiti by introducing modern farming techniques in the Cassava Revolution, improving its yields, and providing opportunities for local farmers through our ingrower and outgrower programmes.”
In his royal message at the occasion, the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji commended the media in his responsibility of offering accurate and timely information to the public, urging them to remain resolute in the interest of the people.
The traditional ruler urged stakeholders especially the media to support the development of agriculture especially forestry development, adding that the sector must be given the necessary attention for the country to achieve food security.