The Ogun State Government has pledged to build on the existing robust relationship with the media in the actualisation of its goals, to further ensure good governance and proper accountability to the people.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele made the pledge during the 2nd Investiture and Induction organised by the Fourth-Estate Professional Society (FPS), at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Abiodun Awere, the Deputy Governor said the media are critical stakeholders that have been disseminating information on government’s policies and programmes.

She stated that the policy thrust of the Prince Abiodun led-administration which rests on objectivity, fairness, equity and justice has been helping the government deliver dividends of democracy even as the media has not been inhibited from carrying out its role of checks and balances.

"For us in Ogun State, we remain focused on a robust relationship with the press, allowing it to perform its responsibilities without any form of interference. We believe that having an independent press that operates based on the freedom to disseminate vital information is the best avenue to ensure accountability to the people", she said.

The Deputy Governor lauded FPS for its contributions to the promotion of journalism, felicitating the State Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, immediate past Chairman of NUJ Ogun Information Chapel, Mr. Adewole Dosunmu Director of Information, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Mrs. Florence Musa-Richard, and others who were inducted as Fellows of the body.

Speaking in an interview, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe called on media practitioners to continue to uphold the ethical standard of the profession in the discharge of their duties, for sustainable development of the country.

In their respective acceptance speech, Messrs Somorin and Dosunmu commended the FPS for the gesture, describing their induction as a rare honour and pledged to contribute to the upliftment of the profession.

Also present at the event was the Ogun State Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akeem Balogun and the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa