Journalists urged to shed light on Government decisions

A public affair analyst and HOD Political Science department, University of Ilorin; Dr. Adebola Bakara has urged Journalist and media Practitioners in Kwara state to interpret, influence government policies regulations and decisions to the citizens so that the policies and regulations can have a major impact in the state.

Dr. Adebola stated this on Thursday at a ‘1-Day media executives roundtable on good governance and accountability.’

The roundtable discussion which was organized by Albarika 89.9 FM with the support of Wole Soyinka center for investigative Journalism and MacArthur Foundation, took place at Sity Inn hotel, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

Dr. Bakare who stressed on the topic, ‘Role of Media at the Subnational level,’ said Media should advocate for the citizens interests and priorities by ensuring their voices are heard and ensure that their demands are taken into account when decisions are being made.

He said, media should build and maintain strong relationships with government officials and policymakers in order to help in increasing transparency and accountability while making decisions.

Highlighting other role of the media at the subnational level, Dr. Bakare said: “media should be the watchdog of government, set agenda for government and articulate people’s opinion.”

He therefore advised journalist not to abuse their privileges, and be contended and objective.