The outgoing Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya has affirmed that his journalism background gave him leverage in the discharge of his responsibilities as number one civil servant in the state.
Penpushing reports that Onasanya made this known on Wednesday at the send forth dinner organised in his honour by the Nigeria Union of Journalists9NUJ), Ogun State Council, held at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta
The veteran journalist added that the principles of accuracy and precision which define journalism became part of his guide in decision-making, stressing that in public service, a single misstatement or an unchecked figure can affect policy, public trust, and ultimately impact lives
‘Distinguished colleagues, my background and engagement with journalism and information management gave me leverage in the discharge of my responsibilities as Head of Service’, Onasanya said.
‘The profession shaped my approach to public administration and taught me that governance is as much about communication as it is about policy. The principles of accuracy and precision which define journalism became part of my guide in decision-making’, he added.
‘In public service, a single misstatement or an unchecked figure can affect policy, public trust, and ultimately impact lives. I learned the importance of verification, clarity, and communicating without ambiguity. That discipline came largely from the journalistic ethos which the NUJ continues to uphold’, Onasanya stressed.
Penpushing further reports that he underpinned that the media remains the conscience of society, pointing out that it holds power to account, gives voice to the people, and reminds those in public office that leadership is ultimately about service.
‘While scrutiny may sometimes be uncomfortable, it remains necessary for the growth of any democratic society. I have always seen the relationship between government and the media not as adversarial, but complementary’.
‘We all seek a better-informed public and a more progressive Ogun State. Whenever government and the media understood and respected each other’s roles, the people benefited the most’, Onasanya added.
Penpushing also reports that he equally encouraged media practitioners to continue telling the stories of people truthfully, responsibly, and professionally, as well as continue investing in capacity development for younger journalists so they can uphold the ethics and standards of the profession in an increasingly dynamic information space.
The first journalist to become Ogun State Head of Service emphasized that public institutions will continue to rely on a media that is informed, courageous, balanced, and professional, pointing out that cordial working relationship between the media and government in Ogun State has contributed immensely to effective information management, public enlightenment, and the promotion of good governance.
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