Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised to empower media practitioners in the state to continue to practice their profession in a conducive environment for optimal performance.
Ambode who made the remark on Friday at the commissioning of the upgraded Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre at the Lagos State Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, said this gesture would enable journalists to work in an environment that is in tune to the global standard.
He was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye.
His words: “This monument is a testimony to the belief of this administration in the power of the media and that the media should be empowered and enabled to perform optimally in a good environment. That is why this administration has taken this bold step in making sure that this rehabilitation, this massive upgrading is done in terms of the physical infrastructure and the facilities so that our media practitioners can work in an environment that is in tune with global standard.
“I want to assure you that this administration will continue to make the environment conducive to journalists to practise their profession,” the Governor said.
The governor also said that his adminsitartion would upgrade other information centers in Lagos.“In the various information centres in Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry, there will be a massive upgrading; they will be in tune with this press centre, Gov. Ambode said, adding “also, the LTV, Eko FM complex will be given due attention to turn it into a veritable media centre of excellence from next year.”
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Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, commended the Governor for upgrading the press centre, saying that the administration was committed to ensuring that journalists in the state continue to work in a serene environment.
While welcoming people to the event, Mr. Ayorinde said the work environment was essential to high productivity. “Offices for journalists and even those managing the affairs and the information of government should be comfortable and conducive.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna, also commended the efforts of his boss, saying his relationship with media practitioners was cordial.
He said the upgrading of the centre would make journalists discharge their duties effectively. “What we are witnessing today is the peculiarity and typical Ambodeism. He believes that everybody deserves the best. We should also give thanks to Mr. Steve Ayorinde for seeing this project through.
Mr. Aruba also said “The governor believes that journalists ought to work in a good environment like every other professional. He believes that they deserve the best and that the environment should be conducive enough for them to do their work.”
Highlight of the event was the cutting of the tape to declare the edifice commissioned.
