The commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo state, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Sunday, caught the attention of journalists, particularly the young and aspiring ones, by wearing the garb of a school teacher.
The event was the 4th edition of the annual Journalists Hangout, held at the NUJ press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Prince Oyelade, who was a special guest, used the opportunity to run through his experience as a young journalist in the early 80s.
Speaking to the large number of young and ambitious journalists from different tertiary institutions, Oyelade said his 46 years experience has been adventurous.
He said that all his life in politics, spanning the regimes of Alhaji Lam Adesina, where he was his Private Secretary to Otunba Alao Akala, where he was Special Adviser, Public Communications, and Engr. Seyi Makinde where he was Executive Chairman, BCOS, and now a commissioner. He had always been a professional in politics and never a professional politician.
During the event, Oyelade advised media practitioners to continue to exhibit core tenets of the profession anchored on objectivity, fairness, and balance.
Mr. Oyelade described the media as a very critical sector in the socio-economic development and growth of every society, hence the need for practitioners to live above board.
He commended members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Oyo State council for effective coverage and reportage of activities within Oyo State and beyond.
Prince Oyelade equally commended the organiser of the event, assuring him of the Oyo State Government’s support towards the successful hosting of the 2024 Hangout.
Chairman, NUJ, Oyo council, Mr. Demola Babalola had earlier commended the Commissioner for his wide range of experience in the field, which has made him relevant in the scheme of things.
The Commissioner later received an award together with other awardees.