The leadership of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has hailed the state’s upward mobility over the last 50 years, saying it has become a beacon of intellectualism, industrialisation, and political consciousness, actively shaped by the media.
The NUJ, in a statement released on Tuesday, signed by the state chairman and secretary, Wale Olanrewaju and Bunmi Adigun, respectively, also paid glowing tributes to the state’s founding fathers for their thoughtfulness and for laying a solid foundation that has helped enhance the state’s prosperity over the years.
The union said that “We must also extend our sincere commendations to the various leaderships that have steered this ship, from the early Military Administrators to successive Civilian Governors.
“Specifically, we acknowledge the current administration for its commitment to the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.
“The visible strides in infrastructure, the revitalisation of the industrial sector, and the maintenance of Ogun’s status as the industrial hub of Nigeria are pointers to a leadership focused on sustainable legacies.”
The union said that journalists have not just been spectators in the affairs of the state but have contributed immensely to its modest achievements in the last 50 years.
The union stated that, from the early days of statehood, journalists in the state have served as the bridge between the government and the governed, ensuring that the dreams of 1976 were translated into actionable policies through consistent reporting and constructive criticism.
The NUJ said, “To our gallant members, the professional journalists of the Ogun State Council: this celebration belongs to you as much as anyone else. We congratulate you on a job well done.
“Through the decades, you have worked under sun and rain, through periods of political transition and social change, to tell the Ogun story with integrity.
“Your contributions have ensured that our state remains a reference point for peace and development in the Nigerian federation.”
Assessing the growth of the state in the last 50 years, the union disclosed that “the progress may not always be at the pace we desire, but the trajectory is undeniably upward, and the spirit of the ‘Ogun Man’ remains resilient.
The union asserted that “While challenges persist—as they do in any growing democracy—we have more reasons to celebrate than to despair. We have evolved from a collection of provincial towns into a sprawling industrial corridor.”
However, as the state marches toward the next fifty years, particularly as another electioneering period is around the corner, the union urged a high sense of responsibility, patriotism and unity to consolidate on the gains of the past and build a better and sustainable future.
The NUJ also stated that, as never before, the state’s handlers must prioritise the digital economy and fund infrastructure development, particularly at the grassroots level, to make life more comfortable for every resident of the state.
The union disclosed that “We are currently approaching another critical electioneering period, and this is the time for heightened patriotism.
“We call on the political class to remember that the state is greater than any individual ambition. The media will remain vigilant, ensuring that the discourse remains focused on development, accountability, and the welfare of the common man.
“For Ogun to move ‘so fast’ to its desired destination, all hands must be on deck. We must transition from a ‘Gateway’ state by name to a ‘Gateway’ state by world-class functionality.
“This means prioritising the digital economy, fixing rural infrastructure to support our farmers, and ensuring that the ease of doing business translates to the ease of living for every resident from Ota to Imeko, and from Ijebu-Ode to Ipokia.
“The NUJ remains committed to this vision. We will continue to use our platforms to hold leadership accountable while highlighting the significant opportunities available in our state.
“We believe that with the right synergy between the government, the private sector, and the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the next fifty years will witness an Ogun State that is not just a gateway to Nigeria, but a gateway to the African continent.
“Congratulations once again to the Government and the good people of Ogun State. May the labour of our heroes past, and the efforts of our current leaders, continue to yield a harvest of peace and plenty for all.”
