Guild of Editors, NUJ, Others Boost Mimiko's Second Term On Gov Mimiko And The Media By Emmanuel Ajibulu
The mass media's influence on the ethics of public life, as characterized by the press's watchdog role in monitoring the conduct of government officials, is assumed to be vital to democracy. The effectiveness of this watchdog role is less clearly understood. Partial answers are found in the evolving institutional history of the press, including its control, ethics, laws, technology, organization, and the content of news stories.
It traditionally finds motivation from the popular belief in watchdog success models. Such is the role expected from the practice of every excellent and responsible journalism practice, and Nigeria should not be an exception.
In line with this purposeful spirit which is expected from the 4th estate of the realm (media), Mr Gbenga Adefaye the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors passionately started with a good tone and indeed vigorously spoke the mind of the good people of Ondo State, when he emphasised that the achievements of the Governor has restored the dignity of man in governance. He said he was impressed by the achievements of the Governor, saying he had taken care of those that “are well and lame in the areas of education and the provision of medical care.”
The President of NGE said “Don't let us talk about Lagos because the Yoruba can no longer lay claims to it any longer. Lagos has become a commonwealth for all Nigerians. With what I have seen in Ondo State, I think I will be correct to say that Governor Mimiko has set up a model that should be replicated by other states.'' Ondo people are far more intelligent than listening to the tantrums of the political detractors in the State. This declaration by NGE's President clearly showed that the blue-murder of the opposition parties can never be considered as a threat or elephant in the room as far as next election is concerned in Ondo State.
Just recently Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, was named the ''Governor of the Year 2011'' by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). The union said Mimiko excelled in the area of public projects implementation. National President of the NUJ, Mohammed Garba, said Mimiko was selected on the basis of his transformational track records evident in Ondo State since he came into office. He said the NUJ was happy to see that a Governor of Mimiko's standing was helping to build the people's interest in democratic rule.
Governor Mimiko in his usual stance dedicated the honour to what he described as the “resilience, sense of pride and dignity” of the Ondo people. Truly his government should be proud of being honoured by the NUJ, which had correctly assessed the administration's modest achievements.
His government had predicated its transformation agenda on total transformation of the people with the major pillars spanning education, agriculture, health, urban renewal and rural transformation. The administration had, as its main target, life more abundant for the people of the state with the execution of over 250 life changing projects. These performances are truly worthy of emulation.