Western Post holds 2024 annual retreat in Ogun
By Innocent Raphael
One of the leading online newspapers in Nigeria, Western Post, on Saturday held its 2024 annual retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event which was organized in collaboration with Wema Bank and the Ogun State government, was themed “The Role of the Media in Regional Integration and Development.”
In his welcome address, the Publisher at large, Tunde Rahman, expressed deep appreciation for the support from Wema Bank.
He reiterated the commitment of Western Post to promoting the bank’s image positively.
Rahman also acknowledged the Ogun State government’s support over the years, urging the governor to prioritize the rehabilitation of several legacy projects, particularly the access road from the train station to the town.
He recounted the newspaper’s development since its inception in 2013, emphasizing its role as a trusted news source in Western Nigeria and some other southern states.
He stressed the importance of establishing regional structures for development through quality reporting and highlighted the necessity of cross-checking stories to ensure accuracy.
He argued that accuracy was crucial for maintaining public trust and promoting informed regional development.
Meanwhile, Mr Folorunsho who led the Wema Bank team spoke about the bank’s innovative product, ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank.
He detailed how ALAT offers a seamless banking experience with features such as easy account opening, instant loans, and automated savings plans.
According to him, the innovation exemplifies Wema Bank’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.
Folorunsho also highlighted Wema Bank’s Green Energy Finance Initiative, which promotes renewable energy, adding that the initiative provides financing options for individuals and businesses investing in solar energy and other renewable sources.
“By supporting green energy, Wema Bank aims to contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint in Nigeria,” said Folorunsho.
In his presentation on “Regional Economic Integration and Role of Media,” Mr. Taiwo Obe defined journalism as the relentless pursuit of truth through questioning.
He emphasized the necessity for journalists to understand and value their newspaper’s identity, as this shapes their reporting and ensures consistency and reliability in their work.
Obe elaborated on the concept of framing, describing it as the unique perspective a reporter brings to a national story, which influences how the audience perceives the issue.
He also discussed various reporting techniques that enhance storytelling. Techniques such as “Explainer,” which breaks down complex issues for easy understanding, “Lists,” which organizes information concisely, “In Quotes,” which emphasizes direct speech for authenticity, and “In Pictures,” which uses visual storytelling to complement written content, were all highlighted as effective tools for journalists.
Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information to the Ogun State Government, presented on “Regional Integration and Development: A Case Study of Ogun State.”
He illuminated the current administration’s infrastructural achievements, including the award of a contract for a train station development, the operation of solar-powered transportation (CNG buses) from Ogun to Lagos, and the state’s status as the largest producer of poultry and cassava in Western Nigeria.
Akinmade’s presentation highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable development and regional integration.
A financial expert and columnist, Kola Amuzat, another delved into “The Gains of Regional Integration,” emphasizing the benefits of states collaboration.
He spoke on the Development Agenda of Western Nigeria (DAWN), highlighting the numerous achievements of the late Premier of the Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo.
Amuzat suggested that governments worldwide could learn from Awolowo’s model, which demonstrated efficiency in the civil service, education, production, and overall development.
The event also featured the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, who tasked journalists to adhere to the profession’s rules of engagement.
Veteran journalist and academic, Sola Imoru, provided a refresher course on the technicalities of reportage in English.
He urged journalists to prioritize truth and accuracy over speed in their reportage, stressing that credibility is the cornerstone of journalism.
The 2024 Annual Retreat of WesternPost was a resounding success, fostering discussions on the vital role of the media in regional development and setting the stage for continued collaboration between the media, financial institutions, and government bodies.
