Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who gave all the backings needed for Oriwu Sun 31st anniversary but who was unavoidably absent at the celebration has described Oriwu Sun as the roundtable cradle of community journalism in Nigeria.
The Governor who was out of the country on that celebration day June 5, was represented by thus Special Adviser on Community Communication, Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan and told the audience at the event that Oriwu Sun is no doubt the flagship of community newspapers in the country hence he was proud to join the organization to celebrate the 31st anniversary of this publication.
Governor Ambode restated his administration’s commitment to an all-inclusive governance where no one will be left behind and noted that the state government had instituted a monthly forum where practitioners of community meet every month.
Journalism can engage each other in fair review. The state government he said has also resolved to upgrade broadcasting facilities both Lagos State University and Lagos State Polytechnic.
According to him very soon, the radio stations in their two campuses will expand in their hours and areas of coverages.
Mr. Bamgbetan told the excited audience that the state government had also resolved to provide patronages to the media through regular advertisement. He said that in this first quarterly advert patronage to community media more than thirty-two newspapers will be given four pages of advert this June 2016 to showcase what the state government had been doing in the communities. This he said is to ensure the articulation of messages of the state government in the community. The aim is to provide forum for the communities to be aware of the progress being made to generate feedback and to engage each other.
Governor Ambode concluded his goodwill message saying that as Oriwu Sun marks 31 years anniversary, the state government believes that this will be the beginning of many more great anniversaries of the future. He urge all the readers of Oriwu Sun to join in spreading the good news of the governance in the state as provided by the APC led administration.
The Governor joined the eminent persons present and the audience to thank God for Monzor for enabling him to sustain this project he started and nurture it to success. He prayed that God and all present will continue to back this noble idea to celebrate 50, 60, 100, 120 years and above anniversaries.