The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said his administration would not gag or intimidate media practitioners and journalists in the state, stating that he resents media censorship.

Oyebanji explained the role of free media in the development of the nation’s democracy, adding that members of the pen profession have been critical to his administration in the last 23 months in his shared prosperity agenda for the state.

The governor spoke on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during the annual public lecture organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State.

Those present at the event included the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde; a former Commissioner for Works and former State Secretary of PDP, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe; Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adedayo; and the CEO of Cavista Holdings Limited, John Olajide.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, the governor said that his administration, since its inception in 2022, has invested in key sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture, and industrialization.

He added that an enabling environment has been provided for private investors to operate and contribute to the development of the state, saying this necessitated the coming of Cavista Holdings to the agriculture and hospitality sectors.

He said, “We will continue to promote the principle of inclusiveness, which has been the hallmark of our administration since 2022. We have been committed to our six-point agenda, which has seen us meeting the needs and aspirations of the people.

“We are trying to make Ekiti a destination for investment, and that is the reason we are calling on private individuals and organisations to partner with the state government towards achieving economic prosperity in the state.

“We will continue to encourage free speech in Ekiti, and let me say that since the inception of this administration, we have not recorded any case of gagging or intimidation of the media. We believe in the role of the media in our society and democracy.

“The Correspondents’ Chapel has been supporting our administration, and I can say this everywhere. We know the value they are adding to us and will continue to support the media to be able to discharge their duties in Ekiti.”

On his part, the chairman of the event, Senator Bamidele, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Gbenga Banji, commended members of the media for their support, noting that he would continue to support the media in the interest of society.

The Senate Leader urged the people to keep faith with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts at actualising his renewed hope agenda for the country.

Delivering his keynote speech, the CEO of Cavista Holdings Limited, John Olajide, said his organisation has committed huge resources to the agriculture and hospitality sectors in order to achieve sustainable growth and development.

He said, “At Cavista Holdings, we believe that our investments should have a positive impact on the communities where we operate. That’s why we have chosen Ekiti as a key location for our agribusiness and hospitality ventures. Our investments in Agbeyewa Farm and Glocient Hospitality, owners of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center, are designed to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the beauty and potential of Ekiti.

“We believe that by providing employment opportunities, we can empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive. Our investments are designed to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. At Agbeyewa Farm, we are revolutionising agriculture in Ekiti by introducing modern farming techniques in the Cassava Revolution, improving its yields, and providing opportunities for local farmers through our ingrower and outgrower programmes.”

The Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji, who commended the media for its responsibility of offering accurate and timely information to the public, urged them to remain resolute in the interest of the people.

The traditional ruler urged stakeholders, especially the media, to support the development of agriculture, especially forestry development, adding that the sector must be given the necessary attention for the country to achieve food security.