The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has pledged to strengthen its relationship with journalists in the Southwest through capacity-building programmes, awards of excellence, digital media training and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting regional development.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State, to the commission’s headquarters in Ibadan.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of Media Department at DAWN Commission, Mr. Segun Balogun, said the commission was ready to collaborate with media practitioners in areas of training, digital journalism and development-focused reporting.
Balogun disclosed that the commission is considering initiatives such as media awards, annual lectures and specialised programmes that would focus on critical development issues affecting the Southwest region.
“We are open to training opportunities, digital partnerships and collaborations that will strengthen journalism and promote the development agenda of the Southwest,” he said.
He noted that the media remains a critical stakeholder in shaping public opinion and driving conversations around governance, economic growth and social development.
Also speaking, the Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, stressed the importance of a strong and responsible media in advancing regional integration and sustainable development.
Oyeleye urged journalists to remain committed to professionalism, factual reporting and nation-building, warning against the dangers of misinformation and fake news.
According to him, the media has historically played a vital role in the development of the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole, citing the contributions of leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who recognised the power of the press in driving social and economic transformation.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Oyo State, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, called for stronger collaboration between the media and the commission, describing journalists as critical partners in promoting the region’s development agenda.
“You are reawakening the spirit of regional development and collective progress. We are seeking partnership and co-creation in driving public engagement. The media should be considered in your plans,” Adeniran said.
He added that the chapel remains open to collaborative initiatives that would enhance professional development and improve public understanding of issues affecting the Southwest.
Other executive members present during the visit included the Vice Chairman, Comrade Remi Koleoso; the Secretary, Comrade Rotimi Agboluaje; the Financial Secretary, Ogbeni Olawale Ajao; the Auditor, Mrs. Abiola Olowe and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Kazeem Awojoodu.
The visit was attended by senior officials of the commission, including the Head of Economic Department and Research, Dr. Adesoji Farayibi; Head of Government and Data Analysis, Dr. Omolara Ejiade; and the Executive Assistant to the Director-General, Ms. Alice Afolabi.
Both parties agreed to explore areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening journalism practice and advancing development communication across the Southwest region.
