The Asiwaju of Orile-Imo in Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun state, Chief Olakunle Olalekan has charged Journalists to practice journalism, devoid of sensationalism.
He also stressed that media practitioners should avoid any report that might bring disunity and national disintegration to the country.
Asiwaju made the charge at his residence in Orile-Imo, Abeokuta, the state capital while receiving an award of recognition from a group of young Journalists under the umbrella of Young Media Practitioners of Nigeria (YOMPON) on Friday.
Worried by the pate of insecurity in the country and the flame of agitation for disintegration, Olalekan appealed to Journalists to ensure that their news report brings development to the nation and foster relationship among Nigerians.
His words “The media should avoid sensationalism reportage and fake News. As young professionals, you should avoid any report that may bring disunity and national disintegration to the country and our immediate community.
“Allow your news report to bring development to the nation and foster relationship among Nigerians and our visitors.
Olalekan who regretted that negative happenings in rural communities are underreported appealed to media practitioners to focus their searchlight on the rural areas in order to bring development to the rural communities.
He lauded YOMPON for the initiative of honoring people of great impact in the society, assuring that the would not take the honour conferred on him for granted.
The Chairman of YOMPON, Saheed Adeola in his address disclosed that Asiwaju was considered for the award after considering his contributions to the development of Orile-Imo community and Ogun state in extension.
He stressed that the group had monitored the activities of Asiwaju for years and found him worthy of honour.
His words “Ordinary expressions cannot quantify the personality of Olakunle Olalekan. His sagacity and voraciousness towards human and societal development really caught our fancy.
“Beyond the shores of your immediate milieu, your good works have been echoed and are publicised and even beyond the domain of the terrestrial, their effects are felt. Do we just say thank you? No, I think you deserve a standing ovation and a professorial applauds.
newsreel 