The 2026 Correspondents’ chaoel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara State Council Press Week wound up on Wednesday in Ilorin, a strong conversation on economic transformation bothering on ethical journalism and national development ensued, as stakeholders called for responsible media practice and greater investment in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

In her keynote address, the state Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, described livestock development as one of the most strategic sectors capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports.

Speaking on the theme: “livestock development in a changing economy: innovation, opportunities and the role of strategic communication in national growth,” Thomas said the sector was being repositioned from traditional animal husbandry into a modern commercial industry through deliberate policies and strategic investments by government.

She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising livestock development, and praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for driving agricultural transformation in the state through initiatives like the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ).

According to the commissioner: “the SAPZ project is designed to provide critical infrastructure including roads, power supply, cold storage facilities, veterinary clinics, warehouses, abattoirs and artificial insemination centres to attract investors and position Kwara as a leading livestock processing hub in Nigeria.”

She regretted that Nigeria currently spends over $1.5 billion annually on milk imports due to low local production, hinting that Kwara was targeting increased dairy production through improved cattle breeds and partnerships with major dairy companies including Danone and FrieslandCampina.

She urged youths, women and livestock farmers to leverage on the government-supported programmes and producer associations to access finance, training and market opportunities, noting that the livestock value chain holds enormous opportunities for wealth creation and employment generation.

Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Biola Azeez, enjoined journalists to remain committed to truth, accuracy and public service despite the growing challenges of misinformation and digital disruption.

Azeez described the annual Press Week as a period of reflection and recommitment to the ethical ideals of journalism, stressing that the media remains critical to democracy and informed public decision-making.

He commended his colleagues for maintaining professionalism in covering governance, security, health, education and community development issues across the state despite difficult working conditions.

In a goodwill message delivered at the occasion, the Principal Consultant of Synergy Impact Consultants Ltd, David Babalola, described journalists as critical actors in nation building through balanced and objective reporting.

According to him, journalists do more than report events, as they shape public opinion, promote accountability and preserve truth in society.

Babalola commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for strengthening public awareness and sustaining democratic values through responsible journalism, while reaffirming his organisation’s commitment to continued partnership with the media.

Also, speaking, the Amir of Ilorin branch of The Companion, Abdulmussawir Alli-Oluwafuyi, while describing journalists as special species in the face of abound insecurity, said: “truth is not only bitter, but also dangerous. I often salute you people’s courage even in the face of intimidation.”

Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulqaudri, the Amir said: “the little and much freedom we have witnessed in Nigeria is to your credit.”

The commissioner for communications, Bola Olukoju said the Correspondents’ annual Press Week has been a preferred platform for intellectual and professional engagements, commending the actors for their steadfastness and great partnership with the state government.

The event that featured goodwill messages also saw keynote presentations and discussions on the role of journalism and strategic communication in economic and national development.